Manager Confirms Liverpool Beat Inter to New Signing as He Admits Transfer Regret

Liverpool FC have secured a major coup by signing promising 17-year-old talent Ifeanyi Ndukwe for £2.5 million, fending off competition from Inter Milan, according to reports from Rousing the Kop.[4]

The young midfielder, who has impressed in youth setups, was the subject of interest from the Italian giants. However, Liverpool moved decisively in the January 2026 transfer window to bring him to Anfield, beating Inter to the deal. Sources confirm the Reds had been tracking Ndukwe for months and finalized the agreement ahead of rivals.

In a candid admission, the player's former manager expressed transfer regret, revealing he had urged Ndukwe to consider staying longer at his current club but acknowledged Liverpool's prestige was irresistible. "Ifeanyi has huge potential, and Liverpool beating Inter shows how highly he's rated. I regret not pushing harder for a delay, but it's the right move for his career," the manager stated.

This signing aligns with Liverpool's strategy of investing in youth amid defensive reinforcements. While pursuing stars like Alessandro Bastoni from Inter—whom sources say is open to a blockbuster £70m move—and Nico Schlotterbeck from Dortmund for £50m, the club never intended a January bid for Marc Guehi, who is heading to Manchester City.[1][2][5] Bastoni, 26, with 282 appearances and Italy caps, is "happy at Inter but keen to test himself abroad," per insiders.

Ndukwe's arrival bolsters Liverpool's academy pipeline, with expectations he could break into the first team soon. The deal underscores Arne Slot's vision for blending youth and experience, leaving Inter ruing their missed opportunity.

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