Liverpool's Ifeanyi Ndukwe January Recall Plan Revealed

Ifeanyi Ndukwe joined Liverpool from Austria Wien this summer but was not able to be included in Liverpool's squad for the start of the competitive season, despite having an impressive pre-season, as he was not eligible for a UK work permit.

Therefore, he was sent out on loan to LaLiga side Levante. He did not break into the team straight away, but in recent weeks his minutes and appearances have increased. As a result, he is now eligible for a UK work permit. This means that Liverpool can register him as part of their squad upon his return.

However, the question remains: when exactly will Ndukwe return to Liverpool?

A recent report has revealed the Reds' plan for the young centre-half.

According to Nacho Sanchis, Ifeanyi Ndukwe's loan includes a clause allowing Liverpool to unilaterally end the deal in January and recall the player back to Anfield.

However, the two clubs have reportedly agreed, in a meeting yesterday, that it is in Ndukwe's best interest to remain with Levante for the rest of the season.

Sanchis says that Liverpool will only recall Ndukwe if their defensive department is stricken with injuries during the period from now until January.

Liverpool currently boasts quite the accomplished selection of centre-halves: Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni (who is set to return to training during the November international break).

Whilst Ndukwe is now enjoying plenty of minutes at Levante - which is fantastic for his development - if he were to return to Liverpool in January, he would face extremely stiff competition for a place on the bench, never mind in the starting lineup.

However, by continuing to develop and improve at Levante, he could find himself further up the pecking order if he instead returns next summer after a full season in LaLiga.

Ultimately, the fact that Ndukwe's work permit issue has been resolved, and that Liverpool reserves the right to recall him in January, is good news. The Reds have already suffered a fair amount of injuries this season, so it is reassuring for fans to know that Ndukwe is available in an 'emergency situation', if required.

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