Ndukwe faces work permit ban that could keep him from Liverpool until 2026

Liverpool defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe is unable to feature in competitive football for the club this season after the 18-year-old failed to meet the points threshold required for a UK work permit under post-Brexit Governing Body Endorsement rules. The centre-back, who joined from Austria Vienna in a £2.6m deal this summer, will not be available for Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Newcastle on Sunday.

Ndukwe needs 15 points to qualify for a GBE from the FA, which is required before the Home Office will issue a work visa. Having made just one senior appearance for Austria Vienna last season, the 6ft 6in defender has not yet accumulated sufficient points — a common hurdle for young players yet to establish themselves at the top level since the UK left the European Union.

The club had agreed a deal in principle for Ndukwe back in January, completing the move once he turned 18. Despite impressing throughout Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies, he was absent from both legs of Sunday’s double header against Serie A side Como — a 0-0 draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly and a 2-0 public victory at Anfield, where Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet scored — though his absence was attributed to Andoni Iraola preferring other central defensive options rather than the permit issue alone.

Discussions are ongoing over a loan move that would allow Ndukwe to accumulate the necessary points. The quality of the league he moves to directly affects how quickly those points are earned, and it is understood that the right loan destination could see him reach the required tally by January — potentially allowing Liverpool to recall him in the second half of the season. That caveat, however, may deter some clubs from pursuing a loan agreement.

A decision on his immediate future is expected within the next two weeks, before the summer transfer window closes.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has already spoken warmly of the teenager’s potential, labelling Ndukwe a “big talent” after playing alongside him in pre-season — a promising endorsement that underlines why the club are keen to find a solution that keeps his development on track.