Liverpool completes first January transfer as defender announces move to Anfield

Liverpool has sealed the signing of teenage defender Noah Adekoya from Burnley, with the youngster taking to social media to confirm the transfer

Noah Adekoya in action for Burnley in pre season

Liverpool has completed the signing of teenage defender Noah Adekoya from Burnley as the first addition of the January transfer window.

Adekoya, 19, is highly rated and only signed his first professional contract with the Premier League side back in October, having helped Burnley to an Under-18 title as captain last season.

Liverpool has swooped for some of the best young talent in the country in recent years, including Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, and has now added Adekoya to its ranks. It comes as Arne Slot revealed Liverpool will be able to welcome back an 'unbelievable' player later this year.

Adekoya took to Instagram to share images of him signing his Liverpool contract, alongside an image of him in a Reds kit as a youngster. He captioned the post 'Gods plan'.

He is likely to link up with Liverpool's academy side but will be buoyed by the progression of young players into the first team set up under Arne Slot this season.

Liverpool is also in talks over the addition of two more central defenders, with discussions continuing over Austria Wien youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Senegalese starlet Mor Ddiaye.

Ndukwe, 17, cannot move to Liverpool until he turns 18 though due to Brexit rules in place in the UK.

Who is Noah Adekoya?

They youngster joined Burnley at Under-12 level and progressed through the ranks at Turf Moor before earning his first pro contract.

Last year, he also linked up with the Nigeria Under-20 team, having been eligible to play through his grandparents.

Adekoya did feature for Burnley's first team in pre-season and was highly thought of by club officials, which shows the deal Liverpool has pulled off.

What has been said about Adekoya?

Burnley academy manager Chris Casper is a big fan of the youngster and was full of praise when he signed his new deal at the club last year.

“We’re pleased that Noah will continue to be part of our U21s group going forward. He showed real leadership qualities last season and that, alongside his performances and physical profile, give us the confidence that he can keep improving.”