Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement to sign 17-year-old Senegalese defender Mor Ndiaye from Amitié FC. The left-sided centre-back impressed at the recent Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, and the deal could wrap up soon with a medical planned.
Fabrizio Romano reported the news on January 8, 2026, saying Liverpool moved fast to secure the teenager. Ndiaye, whose full name is El Hadji Mor Talla Ndiaye, plays for a second-tier club in Senegal owned by former Premier League striker Demba Ba.
He stands out for his height, reading of the game, and ability on the ball. At the U17 tournament, he started all games for Senegal before they lost to Uganda in the round of 32.
This marks Liverpool’s second young defender signing in quick succession. Last week, they agreed terms for 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien. That deal sees him join in the summer for around £2.6 million. Ndukwe, a tall centre-back with Austrian roots, also caught eyes in youth setups. Both players head to the under-21s under coach Rob Page, showing the club’s focus on building for the future.
Arne Slot, in his first full season as manager, works with a strong senior defence led by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. But injuries and depth needs push the recruitment team to look ahead. Matt Newberry, head of global talent, helped spot Ndiaye. The club likes his left-foot balance and potential to grow into a first-team option.
Fans welcomed the news online. Many see it as smart business, picking talents before bigger clubs do. Comments praised the academy pipeline that produced players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones. A few noted the African links, with Senegal producing strong defenders lately.
Ndiaye turns 18 soon and could arrive this month if paperwork clears. Loans might follow to gain experience, like others before him. For now, he trains with his current side, waiting for the move to Merseyside.
Liverpool sit high in the Premier League table, chasing titles on multiple fronts. Youth additions like this keep the squad fresh without big spending. The January window stays open, so more could come.
This signing fits a pattern. The club scouts worldwide, from South America to Africa. Ndiaye’s journey from Senegal to Anfield excites those who follow youth football. If he adapts well, he might feature in years ahead.
In Senegal, local media celebrated the transfer. It puts spotlight on Amitié FC and youth development there. Demba Ba’s ownership helps bridge talents to Europe.
For Liverpool supporters, it’s another reason for optimism. Building with young gems keeps the club competitive long-term. Ndiaye joins a growing list of prospects at the AXA Training Centre.
The deal isn’t fully official yet, but sources say it’s close. Medical and final terms remain. Once done, Ndiaye starts his Reds chapter. Youth transfers like this often fly under radar but pay off big. Fans hope Ndiaye becomes the next success story.