Liverpool signing makes first team debut ahead of permanent Anfield transfer

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCAt the time that Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe in January, he had not yet played for Austria Wien's first team – but that changed over the weekendIfeanyi Ndukwe will join Liverpool this summer(Image: 2026 Thomas Pichler)Liverpool signed what it hopes will be a player for the future during the January transfer window, as teenage Ifeanyi Ndukwe was picked up from Austria Wien.Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Ndukwe, who turned 18 in March, earlier this year, and he will become a part of the Reds' Under-21 setup in the summer.At the time that Liverpool agreed to sign Ndukwe, he had not yet played for Austria Wien's first team – but that changed over the weekend.Ndukwe came off the bench during the closing stages of Austria Wien's 2-0 victory away to Rapid Wien in the Vienna derby.He didn't have much time on the field, coming on in second-half stoppage time, but it is no doubt a moment that will stick long in the youngster's memory.READ MORE: Ollie Watkins sounds Liverpool warning that Arne Slot must listen toREAD MORE: Liverpool discovers exact chances of UCL qualification after latest twists and turnsAfter his transfer to Liverpool was confirmed earlier this year, Ndukwe spoke of his delight at securing a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world.“The transfer to Liverpool is a dream come true for me,” Ndukwe told Sky Sport Austria.“I would like to sincerely thank my family, Austria Vienna, and my agency, More than Sport. Everyone has supported and prepared me for this moment.

Now I want to compete against the best in the world.”Ndukwe will head to Liverpool having caught the eye of the club’s scouts during last year’s U17 World Cup, in which he helped Austria to reach the final.The center-back helped his nation past the likes of England and Italy on the way to the final, with Austria conceding just two goals in eight games as it finished as runner-up to Portugal.Ndukwe in youth-team action for Austria(Image: Jurij Kodrun - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Austria Wien sporting director Michael Wagner said of the deal: "It is a great honor 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 Wien will come out well in any scenario. For me, this is a clear win-win situation for both clubs.“We were aware that there would be a lot of interest in our three U17 team players in particular after they reached the World Cup final.

Basically, our goal is for our talented players to first establish themselves in the first team and thus recommend themselves for higher tasks.“In this case, the overall package – both Liverpool FC's offer to Austria and the prospects for Ifeanyi Ndukwe – was a perfect fit for everyone involved."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAcademy