When Liverpool sent Ifeanyi Ndukwe to Levante, the job description was fairly simple: play football, learn quickly and return a better defender. The first two boxes are being ticked so convincingly that the third has suddenly become a January question.
Sky Sport Austria reports that representatives from the 18-year-old’s agency, More than Sport by AS1, are due to meet Liverpool officials this weekend. They will discuss a potential winter recall or allowing his Spanish loan to run its course. No decision has been announced.
[🚨] NEW: Ifeanyi Ndukwe’s representatives will meet Liverpool officials this weekend to discuss a possible January return or continuing his loan at Levante. He secured the points needed for an English work permit after his debut against Barcelona. 🇦🇹 [@SkySportAustria] #LFC https://t.co/77zqSLHpjQ
— AS (@Anfield_Sector) October 22, 2026
Only a few months ago, there was no such choice. Ndukwe arrived from Austria Vienna, impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season and then joined Levante on loan because he lacked the points needed for a UK work permit. His substitute appearance against Barcelona in September was enough to cross that eligibility threshold, according to Sky.
The football has changed just as quickly.
Ndukwe’s first La Liga start against Sevilla offered a crash course in senior football. A poor backpass contributed to Levante conceding the opener; deep into stoppage time, he made amends by scoring the equaliser in a chaotic 3-3 draw. He then played the full match against Deportivo and started Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Club.
The Athletic performance was particularly revealing. Levante had just 38 per cent possession and faced 21 shots, leaving Ndukwe with plenty to do. He registered 13 clearances, earning praise in the Spanish press.
Superdeporte journalist Rafa Esteve even tipped him to become one of the world’s leading centre-backs, despite giving his performance a rather sober six out of ten. Football’s hype machinery clearly has higher ambitions than its match ratings.
At 1.98 metres, Ndukwe certainly looks the part. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had also praised the youngster’s willingness to learn during pre-season.
There is a tactical question, though. Clearing crosses for a team under sustained pressure builds anticipation and resilience. At Liverpool, Andoni Iraola’s defenders must also handle space behind a higher line and make decisions while pushing up the pitch. Ndukwe’s agent said in August that Liverpool specifically wanted him playing in a high-pressing defence.
Then there is the competition. Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Joe Gomez are already senior options, while Giovanni Leoni is recovering from a serious knee injury. Liverpool conceded three against Villarreal on Tuesday, yet recalling another centre-back only helps if he actually plays.
Earlier this week, reports suggested Liverpool intended to leave Ndukwe at Levante for the full season. Sky’s update indicates further discussion rather than an imminent return.
A January recall could accelerate his introduction to Iraola’s squad. But if Liverpool cannot offer regular minutes, their best development decision may be to leave him where he is already earning ninety of them.
