Liverpool’s quiet rebuilding project at the back is gaining momentum, with the club reportedly edging closer to securing another highly rated defensive prospect for the future.
According to a fresh update from journalist Lewis Steele, the Reds are “nearing an agreement” to bring 15-year-old Celtic defender Dara Jikiemi to Merseyside. The development comes after the account Secret Scout initially highlighted Liverpool’s interest — and it now appears positive discussions have taken place behind the scenes.
Jikiemi is considered one of the standout young defenders in Scotland, though any move would be aimed at long-term development rather than immediate first-team involvement. His potential arrival would mirror a familiar route: academy talent Ben Doak also left Celtic for Liverpool before later moving on to Bournemouth.
—
Why Liverpool Are Strengthening Early
Liverpool’s desire to reinforce the defensive unit has been obvious throughout the season, especially with the centre-back department placed under an unforgiving spotlight.
Links to Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continue to linger, but a January move remains doubtful. Reporter Gregg Evans recently noted that while Liverpool admire the England international, a winter transfer is “unlikely” due to Palace’s position and the complexity of the deal.
That uncertainty explains why the club is focusing on younger defenders who can be developed, allowing Liverpool to build sustainable depth rather than relying on big transfers mid-season.
The scrutiny has intensified after a tough run of form from Ibrahima Konaté, whose display in the draw against Leeds attracted widespread criticism. Analyst Josh Williams pointed out how difficult it becomes “to win consistently when a centre-half is struggling.” This has only reinforced the need for fresh talent coming through the ranks.
—
Slot’s Long-Term Blueprint
Despite the pressure surrounding recent results, Arne Slot continues to push for a more balanced and future-proof squad. Liverpool’s resilience in Europe — highlighted by Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty in Milan — shows the system can still deliver when the defensive structure holds.
Bringing in a teenage talent like Jikiemi aligns perfectly with the club’s academy-first recruitment strategy: identify talent early, shape it at Kirkby, and integrate it into the first-team pathway over time.
And with Manchester City recently snapping up Kaylum Moss from Liverpool’s youth setup, the need to consistently refresh the academy pipeline has never been clearer.
—
A Forward-Thinking Move
Centre-back remains one of the areas Liverpool know requires both immediate stability and future planning. While Jikiemi may not feature anytime soon, securing him now would represent another decisive step towards rebuilding the defensive core — and preventing repeat scenarios of instability in the seasons ahead.
Leave a Reply