Liverpool’s Ivani Ndikwi caught in work-permit setback despite Van Dijk praise

Liverpool’s plans for teenage defender Ivani Ndikwi have been disrupted by post-Brexit work-permit rules, meaning the Austria Under-17 international is expected to leave on loan despite impressing during pre-season.

Ndikwi, who was born in Vienna in 2008, first attracted widespread attention at the most recent FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Alongside Johannes Moser, he was a key member of the Austria side that narrowly lost the final to Portugal.

Austria had conceded only once before the final, with that goal coming against New Zealand in the group stage. Ndikwi also scored against England in the last 16.

His performances prompted Liverpool to move quickly. The club paid Austria Wien €3m for the defender, even though he had not yet made a competitive appearance for the Austrian club. His senior debut was delayed until May, and that lack of first-team experience is one of the main reasons he cannot currently be registered as a first-team player by Liverpool.

According to the BBC, Ndikwi turned 18 in March but does not meet the criteria for a UK work permit.

Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, overseas players must receive approval from The Football Association before they can obtain a work visa. Applications are assessed through a points-based system, with a minimum of 15 points required. A player’s involvement in major domestic leagues is a central factor, while a higher UEFA ranking can also increase the number of points awarded.

There is another route for players who fall short. Clubs can use what are known as “Elite Significant Contribution” places for individuals who do not achieve enough points through the governing body’s “Governing Body Endorsement” system.

A maximum of four such places is available, with the number allocated to each club determined by the playing time given to English players during the previous season. A player must have featured for at least 35% of the available minutes. Liverpool did not meet that requirement and secured only one place, which was allocated to Mory Talla Ndiaye.

Liverpool had been aware of Ndikwi’s situation and had planned to send him out on loan. However, Andoni Iraola used him during pre-season because of a series of injuries affecting his central-defensive options, including Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Giovanni Leoni. Ndikwi’s displays quickly made a strong impression.

Virgil van Dijk played alongside him at centre-back against Monaco and said: “He is a great talent and wants to learn. I have spoken to him briefly over the past few days.”

Despite Liverpool’s defeat, Ndikwi showed at Anfield why he has been viewed as a potential long-term successor to Van Dijk.

The 1.98m defender combines his height with impressive mobility, covering large areas of the pitch and competing effectively in the air. His presence alone also appears capable of creating problems for opponents.

During the first half against Monaco, Ndikwi made six defensive interventions, won all four of his duels and completed 23 of his 24 passes. His performance did not resemble that of an inexperienced 18-year-old playing at elite level for the first time.

Van Dijk has accepted that the defender is likely to leave temporarily, saying: “I know he will go out on loan, and that is unfortunate. I do not know the rules exactly, but the fact is that he will go out on loan, and wherever he goes, he has to learn, develop and be ready to return.”

Ndikwi’s agent described a loan move as “a golden opportunity for Ndikwi” and said that “major European clubs have shown great interest in him”.

Liverpool want to secure the necessary points as quickly as possible so he can return in January. The club also recognises Ndikwi’s potential and is keen to make a decision that protects, rather than hinders, his development.