Liverpool add Celtic Youth centre-back Dara Jikiemi to U18 squad

Liverpool have added 16-year-old Scotland and Nigeria defender Dara Jikiemi to their academy set-up after he joined the club’s Under-18 side from Celtic Youth.

The centre-back completed the move on 31 August 2026, with Liverpool U18 competing in the U18 Premier League. Jikiemi’s arrival gives the club another young defensive option as he begins the next stage of his development in England.

Jikiemi has already featured in senior-level competition in Scotland, making four appearances in the Lowland League before switching clubs. He played 226 minutes across those matches, gaining experience in a competition outside the traditional youth structure.

Born on 9 January 2010, Jikiemi is eligible to represent both Scotland and Nigeria. His dual nationality reflects his international background, while his move to Liverpool places him in a new league and academy environment at the age of 16.

The teenager’s listed position is centre-back, a role that will form the basis of his involvement with Liverpool’s Under-18 team. His move marks a change from Celtic Youth to the English youth system, with the transfer recorded at the start of the 2026-27 season.

Jikiemi is now a Liverpool U18 player after completing his switch from Celtic Youth.