Liverpool in talks to complete first January transfer window signing

The Reds' lack of defensive options has been a major talking point in recent weeks, and the club could be on the verge of adding an 18-year-old center-back to its ranks

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is closing in on finalizing the club's first January transfer(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool is in talks over a deal to sign teenage defender Mor Ndiaye.

The center-back, who turns 18 today (Tuesday), plays for Senegalese second-tier side Amitie FC, which is owned by former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba. Ndiaye impressed at the recent Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four games at the tournament, which ended with Senegal’s elimination by Uganda at the last-32 stage.

It’s understood Ndiaye will join Liverpool’s Under-21s squad if a deal is completed and he could represent Liverpool’s first January signing. The Reds have already sanctioned the permanent departure of James Norris to Shelbourne this month, while Owen Beck's loan move at Derby County was terminated early due to injury.

Ndiaye could help bolster Liverpool’s defensive options at youth level, especially with Wellity Lucky now an almost permanent fixture in the senior squad.

Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury has created a dearth of center-back options at first-team level, especially with Joe Gomez missing three matches in recent weeks.

That has left Arne Slot with just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as first-team-ready options, thereby heightening the need for defensive recruitment.

Joel Ordonez is being tracked by Liverpool after starring for Club Brugge this season(Image: ANP via Getty Images)

The Reds have been linked with a move for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, although Liverpool.com understands suggestions that a deal is in place are wide of the mark.

Liverpool is also reportedly in talks to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe, another center-back who impressed at the Club World Cup. At 17, the Austrian would be unable to move this month, however, and could join next summer.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continues to create headlines, with recent reports suggesting that Manchester City is considering a January bid following the injuries sustained by Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol last weekend.

Marc Guehi remains a transfer target for Liverpool(Image: 2026 Sebastian Frej)

The England international’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and Liverpool would be interested in signing him for free at the end of the season.

The Reds were close to securing a transfer in September, but his switch from Palace fell through at the 11th hour in deadline day.

What remains unclear is whether Liverpool would be willing to sanction a mid-season move for Guehi amid the lack of defensive options at present.