Liverpool's Young Defensive Recruits Point to Long-Term Backline Plan
The short version
- Liverpool signed young center-backs Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe under Richard Hughes.
- Ndukwe, an 18-year-old Austrian, joined in January and is on loan at Levante.
- Ndukwe impressed on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States.
- Hughes also signed Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Former sporting director Richard Hughes brought in a cluster of young center-backs, including 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndiaye, currently on loan at Levante.
Liverpool's recruitment under former sporting director Richard Hughes included a series of young center-back additions aimed at rebuilding the defense for the long term. The group features Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Ndukwe, an 18-year-old Austrian, joined the club in January. He reportedly impressed during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, standing out as one of the tour's stronger performers.
According to the source report, Ndukwe combines unusual physical tools, listed at 6'7" with pace, strong reading of the game and comfort in possession. He is currently on loan at Levante, where he appeared against Villarreal in his most notable outing so far.
Hughes, who departed with the squad described as unsettled, also completed high-profile deals for Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The young defensive signings are viewed as a core part of the club's future.