Liverpool to Hold Talks Over Ndukwe's Future Amid Levante Loan Spell

Liverpool are reportedly set to open discussions with representatives for Ifeanyi Ndukwe over a possible recall from his loan spell at Levante. The centre-back’s progress in Spain has put a January decision firmly on the agenda for the Anfield hierarchy.

The Reds agreed to sign the teenager from Austria Wien back in January, though the transfer wasn’t officially confirmed until the summer window opened. Ndukwe featured regularly for Liverpool during pre-season friendlies under Andoni Iraola, but post-Brexit regulations prevented him from playing competitive football in England. He lacked the points required for a UK work permit at the time.

That restriction pushed Liverpool to send the young defender out on a season-long loan to Levante, a move that has already produced tangible results. Ndukwe has made five La Liga appearances for the club, debuting in a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona last month. He followed that with a dramatic 100th-minute equaliser against Sevilla earlier this month, a goal that instantly raised his profile among scouts tracking the loan market.

Liverpool to Hold Talks Over Ndukwe Recall Decision

Ndukwe has now accumulated the points needed to qualify for a UK work permit, removing the obstacle that initially forced him out of Merseyside. According to Sky Sports Austria, via the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have scheduled a meeting with the defender’s representatives to map out his next steps.

Talks between the two parties are expected to take place over the weekend. A potential recall sits among the main points for discussion, though nothing has been finalised.

Liverpool retain the contractual option to bring Ndukwe back from his loan in January. Any decision to activate that clause will likely hinge on assurances over first-team minutes, something the club must weigh carefully given the current depth at centre-back.

Should Liverpool Recall the Austrian Defender?

The Austria Under-21 international has carved out a consistent role at Levante, starting three straight La Liga matches. That run of form signals growing trust from his club manager, a rare commodity for an 18-year-old adapting to senior football in a foreign league.

Staying fit could keep Ndukwe in the Levante lineup through the rest of the season. Playing regularly in a relegation fight offers a different kind of education than training alongside established internationals, one built on pressure and consequence rather than theory.

A return to Liverpool now would almost certainly mean a drop down the pecking order. Iraola can call upon Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Joe Gomez, leaving little room for a teenager still building match sharpness.

Leaving Ndukwe at Levante until the end of the campaign looks like the smarter path. Liverpool can then assess his progress in full and plan his next move ahead of the 2027-28 season with clearer information.

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