Who is Mor Ndiaye? Liverpool in talks over completing first January transfer

Liverpool is ready to sign the 17-year-old Senegalese center-back talent Mor Ndiaye from Amitie FC as it looks to strengthen its defensive ranks at academy level in 2026

Liverpool transfer target Mor Ndiaye of Senegal in action at the U17 World Cup(Image: Jurij Kodrun - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Liverpool is hoping to seal a deal for the Senegalese teenager Mor Ndiaye, who plays as a center-back and would join up with the Reds' U21s set-up under Rob Page.

But who is Ndiaye, and why is Liverpool taking a look at him? Turning 18 on Tuesday, the young defender plays for the Senegalese second-tier side Amitie FC, which is owned by the former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba.

The young defender - who is sometimes referred to by his full name, El Hadji Mor Talla Ndiaye - impressed at the recent U17 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four games at the tournament, which ended with Senegal’s elimination by Uganda in the round of 32 stage.

Ndiaye could help bolster Liverpool’s defensive options at youth level. Because of a lack of senior options, Wellity Lucky has become an almost permanent fixture in Arne Slot's matchday squads of late.

Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury and Joe Gomez being absent for a period has meant a lack of alternatives. Amara Nallo has also been handed chances at times.

As a result, Liverpool is lacking depth in that area across the age groups. Adding someone with the potential to one day make it at senior level at Anfield makes sense.

Liverpool U21 head coach Rob Page (left) and U18 head coach Simon Wiles (right)(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ndiaye is a left-footed center-back who plays on that side, which is an advantage he holds over others in a similar position. Finding defenders who can play on the left can prove more difficult at times.

He is tall, quick and reads the game well. At the U17 World Cup, Ndiaye impressed with his composure and quality on the ball.

His technical quality and ability to break the lines with passes are obviously hugely important at a team that dominates possession. Ndiaye is also relatively fast and good at covering ground.

While speculation continues over where Marc Guehi will end up, with claims earlier this week that the Crystal Palace captain could potentially join Manchester City this month, getting deals done for younger players will help set things up for the future.

In recent years, Liverpool has signed the likes of Lucky and Nallo, as well as Billy Koumetio, who now plays for Dundee in Scotland. Rhys Williams, now 24, is currently on the Reds' books but is likely to seek a move away.

Bringing players through the academy has been a big priority in recent years, with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni permanent fixtures with the senior team this season. The likes of James McConnell and Bobby Clark have also been handed opportunities.

With a pathway to the first team evident, even if there have been calls for Ngumoha, in particular, to get more chances under Arne Slot this season, there is a desire to continue to show that chances are there for those who progress.