---
title: "Fabrizio Romano reveals exit for Liverpool’s preseason star"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-preseason-star-loan-exit/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-08-19T11:14:48Z"
modified: "2026-08-19T11:15:10Z"
---

# Fabrizio Romano reveals exit for Liverpool’s preseason star

Levante have agreed to sign Liverpool youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe on loan for the season.

According to Fabrizio Romano the La Liga club will cover the defenders salary in full and a straight loan has been verbally agreed.

> 🚨🔴🔵 Levante have agreed on loan deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Liverpool.\
> \
> The Spanish club will cover his salary as straight loan deal has been verbally agreed today.\
> \
> Ndukwe, waiting for formal steps with [#LFC](https://x.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) over loan exit as per [@sanchis14](https://x.com/sanchis14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/gNgKS9cxXA](https://t.co/gNgKS9cxXA)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2090021180283519351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

A loan to La Liga will be perfect for the 18-year-old who was one of the standout stars of the preseason US Tour. He even got the opportunity to start at Anfield alongside Virgil van Dijk against AS Monaco.

## Why can’t Ndukwe stay at Anfield?

Liverpool are unable to keep the 6 foot 6 Austrian at the club for the season as they are unable to register him. The defender doesn’t meet the criteria to gain a work permit.

Despite impressed with the first team against Premier League, Championship and Champions League level opposition in preseason, he hasn’t earned enough points in the criteria to be registered.

A loan at a club in a top league in Europe, will not only give him experience of playing against some of the best players in the world but will also see him gain more points towards his work permit and he will be able then register for the 2027/28 season.

One fan [commented](https://x.com/danieljostrends/status/2090027462952460776?s=46&t=rLe6YXFjD9zFzopBvUMkdw), “A smart move for Ndukwe.

Getting regular LaLiga minutes at 18 could be exactly what he needs to develop and return to Liverpool ready for the next level.”