LIVERPOOL wonderkid Ifeanyi Ndukwe will have to wait until 2027 to make his competitive debut – after failing to bag a work permit.
The defender, 18, headed to Merseyside this summer despite a with Austria Wien in January.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been impressing for Liverpool in pre-season Credit: Getty
But the defender cannot be rewarded with a competitive debut after failing to qualify for a work permit Credit: Getty
And Ndukwe has impressed new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot , during pre-season.
But the teenage talent cannot feature in the Premier League or cup competitions after missing out on reaching the points target to qualify for a UK work permit.
New rules mean Ndukwe cannot take an Elite Significant Contribution squad slot after January arrival Mor Talla Ndiaye added his name to the list.
He will now only be able to make one more appearance for this year – in the final friendly against Como on Saturday.
Ndukwe’s agent Georg Lederer has revealed plans have been made to leave Anfield temporarily, with admirers queuing up to strike a deal.
He told Sky Sports Austria : “A loan club will now be found where Ifeanyi can gain playing experience at a very high level.
“Despite this change [to Elite Significant Contribution rules], we see the situation as a great opportunity.
“Several top international clubs have already expressed concrete interest in a loan.”
Ndukwe is set to leave Liverpool on loan Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The little-known rule has resulted in Liverpool’s defensive crisis deepening just days before the new season gets underway.
Jeremy Jacquet has still not made his debut since from Rennes.
And the summer exit of Ibrahima Konate left Liverpool with fewer options at the heart of the backline.
But Iraola, 44, is edging towards landing Ronald Araujo in a .
Ronald Araujo is expected to ease Liverpool’s defensive problems Credit: Getty
The Reds will also have an option to make the move from Barcelona permanent next year.
Liverpool are set to get their with a trip to Newcastle on August 23.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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