Arabic version: ندوكوي لا يستطيع خوض مباريات تنافسية مع ليفربول في 2026

According to BBC News, Liverpool teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe is unable to play in competitive matches for the club in 2026 because he did not meet the points target required for a UK work permit. The 18-year-old defender can feature only in friendly matches under post-Brexit rules, despite making an impression during pre-season.

Ndukwe has received increased opportunities as Liverpool deal with shortages at centre-back. Joe Gomez suffered an injury in the first pre-season match, £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet has been absent with a knee issue, and Giovanni Leoni is recovering from a serious knee injury. Ndukwe has played two full 90-minute matches and another 80-minute outing, including a start alongside captain Virgil van Dijk against Monaco at Anfield.

The Austria youth international, who is 6ft 6in (1.98m), impressed with a backheel that wrong-footed Monaco’s Mika Biereth and won 100% of his duels in that match. However, Liverpool’s sole Elite Significant Contribution slot has already been used by Senegalese 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye. Clubs can receive up to four such slots, depending on the share of Premier League minutes played by England Qualified Players, but Liverpool’s percentage last season earned them only one.

Ndukwe developed in Austria Vienna’s academy and made one senior appearance before Liverpool agreed a deal in principle in January. The £2.6m transfer became official this summer after he turned 18. He can still play in Liverpool’s final friendly against Como on 16 August, while a decision on a loan move in Europe is expected within the next fortnight. He must earn 15 points across relevant categories on loan to qualify automatically for a visa, and it is understood the necessary total could be reached by January with the right move.