‘I Can Confirm’ – Liverpool Talent’s Agent Admits Development Step Likely | OneFootball

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Ifeanyi Ndukwe’s agent Georg Lederer has revealed that Liverpool are seeking a loan destination where the youngster can enjoy regular playing time while developing in a system that mirrors the Reds’ high-pressing approach.

The 18-year-old came through the ranks at Austria Vienna’s academy and even made a senior appearance for the club.

Then the centre-back agreed to join Liverpool in January, with the switch formally completed this summer.

The Reds paid £2.6m to secure the talent, with Ndukwe quickly becoming part of their first-team plans during the ongoing pre-season campaign.

Ndukwe has started all four of Andoni Iraola’s side’s friendlies so far, further highlighting the impression he has made in such a short time.

However, with the youngster yet to be granted a work permit, he is unable to feature for Liverpool in competitive fixtures this year and a solution will need to be found.

As a result, the Reds are exploring a loan move that would allow Ndukwe to accumulate regular minutes and continue his development in the meantime.

There have already been suggestions that clubs in Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, France and Spain are weighing up a loan move for Ndukwe.

Lederer confirmed that talks are under way with both Danish and foreign clubs over Ndukwe, with Liverpool working together to decide where the youngster would fit in best.

He stressed that several factors are being weighed, with regular playing time the foremost priority, while Liverpool are also assessing the style of football played by potential destinations, with the preference being for Ndukwe to join a side whose high-pressing approach is similar to that of the Reds.

Lederer told Danish outlet Tipsbladet: “I can’t say which clubs we’re in talks with, but I can confirm that we’re in talks with Danish clubs regarding Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

“The only thing I can say is that these are not the top clubs in Denmark.

“We’re also in talks with several foreign clubs, but right now we need to decide, in collaboration with Liverpool, where Ifeanyi will fit in best.

“We’re looking at several different factors.

“First and foremost, it’s about Ifeanyi getting plenty of playing time, and Liverpool are also looking at the style of football the clubs play, as they want him to fit into a high-pressing defence, similar to what you see at Liverpool.

It is suggested that Danish outfit Randers FC were among the clubs interested in Ndukwe, but those discussions have broken down as Liverpool are prioritising destinations where the youngster can secure more consistent playing time.

A decision on where the centre-back will continue his development is expected to emerge in the coming weeks, with the Reds assessing their options to determine the setting best suited to his progress.