Highly promising Nigerian-born defender, Ifeanyi Ndukwe is considering the next move, after a heavy blow hit his prospects of enjoying a career breakthrough this season at Liverpool of England, as he cannot play in the English Premier League due to work permit restrictions.
Sports247 reports that, in contrast with initial expectations that Ndukwe’s stunning outing with The Reds in their ongoing pre-season tour would pave way for his debut in the EPL, the 18-year-old Austria international has found out that he needs a work permit before he can play top-flight football in England.
The process of getting the permit is usually lengthy, thereby ruling out the possibility of an EPL debut this season for Ndukwe, who was born in Vienna, Austria to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, while his older brother, Obinna Ndukwe is a basketball player.
It is a huge downturn for Ndukwe, who started his career at WAF Brigittenau before joining Austria Wien academy in 2016 and captained their squad at under-16 level, then signed a three-year professional contract with the modest club in June 2025.
On January 26th this year, Ndukwe officially agreed to join Liverpool, with the transfer set to be finalised this summer, once he becomes eligible upon turning 18, in a deal valued at an initial £2.6m (€3m), with additional performance-related add-ons potentially increasing the total fee.
Sadly, a loan exit from Anfield now looms large for Ndukwe, who was a member of Austria’s cadet national team that reached the final of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where the youngster played himself into the eyes of top scouts and he was soon on his way to Merseyside.
A report by UK’s Express adds, “Liverpool are unable to utilise the talents of young defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe this season despite the defender catching the eye during their first pre-season friendly. The Reds are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour.
“Saturday evening saw Liverpool secure a 4-2 triumph over Sunderland in Nashville in their opening fixture of the summer. Ndukwe was included among the substitutes by Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, and was thrust into the action in the 10th minute for the injured Joe Gomez.
“The veteran picked up an injury in the opening stages of the match and was forced off and the 18-year-old proceeded to deliver an eye-catching display for the Reds and drew praise from fans, especially given the shortage of senior centre-back alternatives currently available in the squad.
“Nevertheless, Iraola will be barred from using Ndukwe in the Premier League this season due to work permit complications. The teenager lacks the necessary points on his UK work permit to feature for Liverpool’s first team this upcoming campaign.”
