Liverpool’s 2026 Academy Signs
- • Noah Adekoya (19): Transferred directly from Burnley; eligible for U21s vs. Norwich (9 January).
- • Talla Lawy (18): Expected move from Amitie FC; left-footed Senegal U18 international.
- • Ifeanyi Ndukwe (17): Deal closed before July 2026; A 6’5″ defender arrives from Austria Vienna for £2.6 million.
The defender announced on Wednesday that he had signed for his boyhood club, which was part of a recruitment drive at Liverpool this month.
Liverpool are also close to finalizing a contract for the 18-year-old centre-back Talla Lawy from the Senegalese club Amitie FC, when he was 17 years old Ifeanyi Ndukwe will join from Austria-Vienna in July in a deal worth more than €3 million (£2.6 million).
Who is Noah Adekoya? Playing style, profile and plans for Liverpool’s new signing
Adekoya was born on Merseyside but spent the majority of his youth career to date at Burnley, who he joined at U12 level after trials with Liverpool.
After leading Burnley U18s to the title last season, the teenager signed his first professional contract in October but completed a move just over two months later.
He will join the U21 squad and could even feature in their clash with Norwich on Friday night.
New Signing: Noah Adekoya Fact-File
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Noah Adekoya |
| Age | 19 (born: November 22, 2006) |
| Place of birth | Liverpool, England |
| Nationality | English/Nigerian |
| Position | Central defender |
| Height | 6’3″ (193cm) |
| Preferred foot | Both (two-handed) |
| Playing style | Aggressive, ball-playing defender |
It’s a full-circle moment for the youngster, who had a six-week trial with Liverpool in 2018 but failed to secure a place due to injury.
During his time at Burnley he has proven to be a leader on the pitch, as an aggressive, front-footed defender who can play on either the right or left side of centre-back.
He possesses an impressive passing range from either foot and has demonstrated his dribbling ability with mad runs from the defense into the attacking third.
He arrives to bolster Page’s defenses with Amar Nallo is likely to leave on loan this month Well-being Happy promoted to the first-team squad following injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo.
Carter Pinnington is also available and could partner Adekoya in the coming matches as Ndiaye adapts to life in England following his arrival from Senegal.
Rhys Williams is still on the books but will look for a new permanent home as he, now 24, is in the final six months of his contract and has no long-term future at Liverpool.
Although a regular for Burnley U18s last season, Adekoya made his debut for the U21s as a 17-year-old in February 2024 and most recently came off the bench in their 3-2 win over Stockport U21s in October.
Liverpool U21s have not been in competitive action since a penalty shootout win over Chesterfield in the Vertu Trophy on November 11, although they did play friendlies against Preston, Salford City, Sheffield United and OGC Nice during the winter break.
Friday’s trip to Norwich marks the first of four games in January, with Page’s young Reds currently 21st in the 29-team PL2 competition, having taken 10 points from nine matches so far.
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