Incredible bargain: Liverpool sign future best in the world for £2.6m

Liverpool have made a series of defensive signings in recent windows in order to safeguard the future of their backline.

With Ibrahima Konate leaving on a free transfer - and Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez destined to depart at the end of the season - new faces have been a necessity.

Giovanni Leoni arrived on a £26m deal from Parma in summer 2025 with Jeremy Jacquet following suit last summer in a £60m deal from Rennes.

Leoni is currently bouncing back from an ACL injury while Jacquet is quietly establishing himself as one of the best young centre-backs around.

That high-profile duo are not the only young central defenders to arrive however.

Liverpool sign £2.6m Ndukwe

We’ve seen bargain deals conclude for both Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Ndiaye has already been in and around the first-team picture but Ndukwe’s pathway has been a little more complex.

The Austrian didn’t qualify for a work permit after signing for £2.6m from Austria Vienna - and had to be shipped out to Levante on loan.

The 18-year-old now reportedly has enough points to qualify for his work permit - and it remains to be seen whether or not the Reds will recall him early.

One thing is for certain however and it’s that Liverpool have pulled another masterstroke in the bargain deal for Ndukwe.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe could be one of the best in the world

Julian Burgos - a La Liga watcher - has told Liverpool Confidential that Ndukwe has got all the tools to become one of the best centre-backs on the planet.

“Since his debut against Sevilla four matches ago, he has established himself as a starter for the manager Luis Castro, who asserted that he possesses the qualities to become one of the best players in the world in his position,” he says.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe: Situation summary

Ndukwe, 18, is gaining senior experience at Levante after completing his move from Austria Vienna to Liverpool in August and immediately joining the Spanish club on a season-long loan.

A 1.98m centre-back, he combines aerial presence with aggressive, front-foot defending, recovery pace and an expansive passing range—attributes suited to defending a high line.

He has made six La Liga appearances, including four starts, scoring once.

His immediate outlook centres on development rather than contract renewal: Liverpool’s official announcement did not disclose his permanent deal’s expiry.

Having now met the work-permit requirements, he could return in January through a reported recall clause, although the current preference is for him to continue gaining minutes in Spain unless Liverpool’s defensive needs change.