Fabrizio Romano denies Liverpool agreement for defender

Fabrizio Romano Denies Liverpool Agreement for Defender

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has firmly denied reports of any agreement between Liverpool and a defender, amid swirling rumors linking the Reds to several center-backs during the January window.[1][4][6]

The clarification comes as Liverpool face defensive challenges, with injuries to Joe Gomez and highly-rated Italian prospect Giovanni Leoni leaving manager Arne Slot short on options. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remain the reliable pairing, but depth is limited, prompting speculation about reinforcements.[1][4]

Romano confirmed Liverpool's agreement to sign 17-year-old Austrian center-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien, a long-term investment in youth rather than an immediate fix. The teenager, praised for his game reading, maturity, and personality, has verbally committed to the Anfield project. This move underscores Liverpool's focus on future-proofing without chasing high-profile names this month.[1][2][4]

Rumors of deals for other defenders have been debunked. Sources deny any "gentleman's agreement" with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, who could become a free agent in summer 2026. Liverpool's interest in Guehi persists, but no deal is in place.[4] Similarly, pursuit of Newcastle's Sven Botman has cooled due to his injuries and the club's shifted priorities—Slot once called him a "cool customer," but he's no longer a target.[4]

Claims linking Liverpool to Joel Ordonez were addressed by Romano, who noted admiration for the player does not equate to an imminent transfer. Centre-back remains a monitored area, but no agreements exist.[6]

Elsewhere, Liverpool rejected an offer from PSV Eindhoven for Sepp van den Berg, signaling intent to retain the impressive defender.[5] These developments highlight a strategic January: bolstering youth prospects while navigating short-term needs cautiously.

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