Liverpool defensive crisis deepens as little-known rule means wonderkid Ifeanyi Ndukwe can only play once more this YEAR

LIVERPOOL wonderkid Ifeanyi Ndukwe will have to wait until 2027 to make his competitive debut – after failing to bag a work permit. The defender, 18, headed to Merseyside this summer despite a deal being agreed with Austria Wien in January. Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been impressing for Liverpool in pre-season Credit: Getty But the defender cannot be rewarded with a competitive debut after failing to qualify for a work permit Credit: Getty And Ndukwe has impressed new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot on a two-year deal, during pre-season. But the teenage talent cannot feature in the Premier League or cup competitions after missing out on reaching the points target to qualify for a UK work permit. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! New rules mean Ndukwe cannot take an Elite Significant Contribution squad slot after January arrival Mor Talla Ndiaye added his name to the list. He will now only be able to make one more appearance for Liverpool this year – in the final friendly against Como on Saturday. Ndukwe’s agent Georg Lederer has revealed plans have been made to leave Anfield temporarily, with admirers queuing up to strike a deal. He told Sky Sports Austria: “A loan club will now be found where Ifeanyi can gain playing experience at a very high level. “Despite this change [to Elite Significant Contribution rules], we see the situation as a great opportunity. “Several top international clubs have already expressed concrete interest in a loan.” Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Ndukwe is set to leave Liverpool on loan Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The little-known rule has resulted in Liverpool’s defensive crisis deepening just days before the new season gets underway. Jeremy Jacquet has still not made his debut since joining in a £60million switch from Rennes. And the summer exit of Ibrahima Konate left Liverpool with fewer options at the heart of the backline. But Iraola, 44, is edging towards landing Ronald Araujo in a shock loan deal. Ronald Araujo is expected to ease Liverpool’s defensive problems Credit: Getty The Reds will also have an option to make the move from Barcelona permanent next year. Liverpool are set to get their Premier League campaign underway with a trip to Newcastle on August 23. Comment now