Transfer Update: Liverpool Secure Deal for Ifeanyi Ndukwe as Arsenal Recall Loaned Duo

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Liverpool have finalized an agreement to bring in highly rated Nigerian-born defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with the teenage centre-back scheduled to join the club in the summer of 2026.

Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Premier League giants reached a full agreement with Austria Wien, who have accepted Liverpool’s proposal ahead of the July move. The deal paves the way for Ndukwe to arrive at Anfield as part of the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.

At just 17 years old, Ndukwe is set to make the switch from the Austria Wien Academy after giving his consent to Liverpool’s development plan. He is considered one of the standout young defenders in Austria and has attracted attention for his composure, physical presence, and potential at youth level.

Born in Vienna in March 2008, Ndukwe is eligible to play international football for three nations. With a Nigerian father and a German mother, the young defender can represent Nigeria, Austria, or Germany in future international competitions.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have opted to recall two of their young women’s team players from loan spells as part of ongoing squad evaluation.

In a statement released on Friday, the North London club confirmed the return of Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Naomi Williams following their temporary moves earlier in the season.

Wellesley-Smith joined Leicester City Women on loan in September 2025 shortly after signing her first professional contract with Arsenal. The 18-year-old defender made a single appearance for the Foxes in the Women’s Super League during her loan stint.

Naomi Williams, on the other hand, spent the first half of the campaign with Bristol City in WSL 2. She featured three times for the Robins, all of which came in the Subway Women’s League Cup.

Arsenal are expected to determine the next phase of both players’ development as they reintegrate them into the club’s women’s football programme.