Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, who was recently signed by Liverpool, is barred from playing in the United Kingdom. Post-Brexit immigration laws governing the entry of foreign nationals into the country prevent the young player from taking part in official competitions.
Ndukwe did not reach the score needed to obtain a work permit known as the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). As a result, he will not be able to play for the English club in official matches throughout 2026.
Liverpool still holds the right to one exception, the Elite Significant Contribution (ESC), which allows a club to field a player who lacks the minimum score. However, the club can only use that exception for one player, and it has already been assigned to Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye.
Loan seen as possible solution
Given the block, Ndukwe is expected to be loaned to another club. The aim would be for him to get playing time with a first team and build up the score required under post-Brexit immigration rules.
The choice of league for the loan and the difficulty level of the matches also factor into the points he can accumulate. That is seen as crucial for him to eventually secure clearance to play for Liverpool.
Ndukwe is regarded as a prospect being backed by manager Andoni Iraola. He made his professional debut last season and has played just 12 games in his career so far.
After signing, the defender was integrated into the first team, which is currently in preseason preparation. He took part in three friendlies, starting in two of them.
