Ifeanyi Ndukwe set to join Levante on loan following pre-season breakthrough

18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe is set to leave Merseyside on a season-long loan following an outstanding pre-season.

LaLiga side Levante are in pole position to secure the signature of the Austrian defender, with manager Luis Castro looking to strengthen his backline after the club conceded the most goals in the division last season.

Ndukwe has enjoyed a fantastic pre-season campaign under new manager Andoni Iraola, playing the fourth-most minutes of any player in the squad during the tour.

The defender has been forced to find a loan move away from the club this season, due to him not qualifying for a work permit to stay in England.

Liverpool officially signed Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for £2.6 million, after an impressive Under-17 World Cup campaign for his country. An agreement that was made in January as the club looked to bring more depth to the defence.

Accorging to David Lynch and Paul Gorst, there will most likely be a break clause included in the contract which will allow the centre-back to return to Liverpool in January.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for the youngster to get some senior football experience in a extremely competitive league. The experience of playing in that environment over a season will only improve him as a player.

Levante suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Espanyol in their opening LaLiga fixture, making it clear that their backline could do with reinforcements if they want to avoid relegation. Having survived relegation last season on a head-to-head points system, the Spanish side will be hoping Ndukwe can be the answer to their defensive frailties.

According to Nacho Sanchis, the defender will arrive in Valencia tomorrow for his medical, potentially giving Ndukwe the opportunity to make his debut for the club on Monday when they travel to Osasuna.

Ndukwe impressed everyone at the club during pre-season, showcasing his qualities despite his young age. He looked composed and strong, playing with great confidence throughout. Realistically, with the signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo, alongside the pending return of Geovanni Leoni, the defender would have struggled for regular minutes this season.

After a year playing in a competitive division and gaining valuable minutes, Ndukwe will return to Merseyside next season ready to push for a place in the first team.

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