Liverpool have completed the signing of highly-rated Celtic defender Dara Jikiemi, ending months of speculation surrounding the 16-year-old Scotland youth international.
The Reds have been heavily linked with Jikiemi for over a year, and the talented centre-back has now officially made the move to Merseyside after emerging as one of the brightest prospects in Scottish football.
Although transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Jikiemi has agreed a five-year deal, the defender will initially join Liverpool on scholarship terms. Under FA regulations, he will become eligible to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in January 2027.
Jikiemi arrives at Liverpool with an impressive reputation. Despite being just 16, he regularly played three years above his age group for Celtic’s Under-18 side and has captained both Scotland’s Under-15 and Under-16 national teams.
The youngster is expected to link up with Simon Wiles’ Liverpool Under-18 squad for pre-season as the club continues to strengthen its academy with elite young talent.
A commanding and aggressive defender, Jikiemi is comfortable playing out from the back and is regarded as a modern, ball-playing centre-half. His versatility also allows him to operate in defensive midfield, giving Liverpool another exciting prospect with the technical ability and tactical intelligence to develop into a first-team player in the years ahead.
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