Noah Adekoya has taken to social media to say that he has signed for Liverpool from Burnley
While the focus is firmly on whether Arne Slot and Richard Hughes bolster the Liverpool first-team squad in the January transfer window, it appears efforts to strengthen the ranks underneath the seniors are very much coming to fruition.
The Liverpool ECHO’s Paul Gorst reported exclusively earlier this week that the Reds are closing in on a deal to sign left-sided centre-back Mor Ndiaye, who played for Senegal at the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
And while at the time of writing a deal for the 18-year-old had not been done, Fabrizio Romano has today (January 8) claimed a ‘verbal agreement’ has now been reached.
READ MORE: Liverpool clearly need one January transfer priority and it isn’t Marc Guehi
Ndiaye is currently registered with Amitie Football Club in Senegal, who are owned by former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba.
Once his move to Liverpool goes through, the teenager is slated to go straight into Rob Page’s Under-21 squad, with Amara Nallo expected to go out on loan as a result.
But Ndiaye is not the only young defender on their way to the Reds. They have also been in talks with Austria Vienna over completing a summer switch for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who was another player who caught the eye at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November.
Like Ndiaye, the 17-year-old would initially be brought in as part of Page’s U21s set-up, which looks set to have been boosted by the arrival of a third centre-back.
That’s because Noah Adekoya has announced that he has joined Liverpool from Premier League rivals Burnley.
Adekoya took to Instagram to share images of him signing his contract alongside an image of him in a Reds kit when he was younger. He captioned the post ‘Gods plan’.
The Liverpudlian had been with the Clarets since he was an U12s player and in October signed his first professional contract with the club. That came after he captained Burnley’s U18s to the U18 Professional Development League North title last season and made nine appearances for their U21s.
The 19-year-old featured for Scott Parker’s first team in pre-season and was highly thought of by officials with academy manager Chris Casper saying after the player inked his first pro deal late last year: “We’re pleased that Noah will continue to be part of our U21s group going forwards.
“He showed real leadership qualities last season and that, alongside his performances and physical profile, give us the confidence that he can keep improving.”
Liverpool U21s return to action away to Norwich City on Friday (3pm kick-off).
