Liverpool have exciting player banned from playing under Andoni Iraola until 2027
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Liverpool have a defender ineligible to play under Andoni Iraola in the 2026-27 season. 12:20, Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Updated: 12:31, Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2 in their first pre-season friendly (Image: Getty)Liverpool are unable to utilise the talents of young defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe this season despite the defender catching the eye during their first pre-season friendly.
The Reds are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour as they gear up for the new Premier League season. Saturday evening saw Liverpool secure a 4-2 triumph over Sunderland in Nashville in their opening fixture of the summer.Ndukwe was included among the substitutes by Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola, but was thrust into the action in the 10th minute when he came on for the injured Joe Gomez.
Read our Privacy PolicyNevertheless, Iraola will be barred from using Ndukwe in the Premier League this season due to work permit complications. The teenager lacks the necessary points on his UK work permit to feature for Liverpool's first team this upcoming campaign.Consequently, Liverpool are expected to send Ndukwe out on loan in order for him to secure consistent first-team minutes and gain more points for his work permit.Liverpool acquired Ndukwe from Austria Vienna in January in a transfer understood to be valued at approximately £2.5million, though the youngster did not formally complete his move to Anfield until this summer.Ndukwe will remain involved with Liverpool's pre-season preparations before any loan move away from the club.Austria Vienna sporting director Michael Wagner explained at the time why Ndukwe's transfer to Liverpool proved advantageous for both parties.Ifeanyi Ndukwe warms up for Liverpool's pre-season clash with Sunderland (Image: Getty)He said: "It is a great honour that one of the world's best football clubs has shown interest in one of our home-grown players."The agreement with Liverpool FC is structured in such a way that Austria Vienna will come out well in any scenario, regardless of whether the option is exercised or not."For me, this is a clear win-win situation for both clubs.