Liverpool changes Ifeanyi Ndukwe plan after visa issue as agent gives update
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCIfeanyi Ndukwe has impressed Liverpool during preseason, but the Reds have been forced to change their plans for the young Austrian center-back due to a visa issueIfeanyi Ndukwe has featured during Liverpool's tour of the United States(Image: Getty Images)Ifeanyi Ndukwe is set to depart Liverpool on loan this summer after the Reds were compelled to alter their plans for the promising center-back.The 18-year-old has caught the eye during pre-season following his arrival at the club from Austria Wien. The youngster came on as an early replacement for Joe Gomez in Liverpool's friendly encounter with Sunderland as the team kicked off its United States tour with a 4-2 triumph.
He subsequently played the entire 90 minutes in the Reds' 1-0 success against Wrexham.Liverpool had originally intended for Ndukwe to remain on Merseyside for at least the opening half of the campaign after his move from his native country.Nevertheless, his representative, Georg Lederer, has revealed that this strategy has now been revised following the defender's failure to secure a visa."The fact is that in the 2025/26 Premier League season, clubs had two exception spots where they didn't have to reach this points target," he explained to ORF, as quoted by Sky Sports Austria. "In the new season, this extra rule will be reduced by one spot."A loan club will now be found where Ifeanyi can gain playing experience at a very high level."Ndukwe joined Liverpool this year(Image: Getty Images)While Ndukwe cannot feature in England, his agency, More than Sport by AS1, disclosed to Sky Sports Austria that multiple clubs have already expressed interest in acquiring the defender on a temporary basis."Despite this change, we see the situation as a great opportunity for Ifeanyi," they said."Several top international clubs have already expressed concrete interest in a loan."Regardless of which path he chooses, he will have the opportunity to gain regular playing time at the highest level – a prospect that would not have been guaranteed to the same extent in his first few months at Liverpool."The original plan with Liverpool was to evaluate after the first six months whether Ifeanyi was getting enough playing time in the Premier League."Only then would a decision be made about a possible loan.
It was always clearly defined that his development should take place at the professional level and not through appearances for the U21 team."Liverpool has clearly communicated to us that they are 100 percent committed to Ifeanyi and plan with him, because he has already demonstrated his potential, for example, in the friendly against Sunderland."These recent developments give Ifeanyi the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the highest international level, receive consistent playing time, and consistently advance his sporting development."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCTransfersAcademy