Liverpool win race to sign Dara Jikiemi

Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Dara Jikiemi, with the player set to arrive in the summer and sign on scholarship terms.

According to TEAMtalk, Dara Jikiemi has chosen Liverpool as the next club to further his career after rejecting an offer from Celtic. The teenage defensive sensation is a highly regarded player, as Liverpool have won the race for the Scottish Under-15 international.

Liverpool are once again looking at bringing a player from Scotland into its youth system. The Reds have previously signed Calvin Ramsay and Ben Doak for their academy sides from Scotland, and now they are on the verge of bringing 16-year-old Celtic wonderkid Dara Jikiemi to the club.

The teenage sensation has been making a big impression with his performances for the Scottish giants and their youth sides. A central defender by trade, the teenager is also comfortable slotting into midfield when needed, which makes him a great prospect for some of the big clubs to develop into a top player for the future.

Jikiemi has reportedly rejected an offer from Celtic to prolong his career in Scotland and instead chosen a different pathway. Liverpool had been closing in on the defensive talent since December, and now they have won the race, with several other clubs also keen on the 16-year-old Celtic wonderkid.

It appears Jikiemi had narrowed down his options to joining Liverpool or staying at Celtic, and he has chosen the former. The teenage defensive prospect is expected to sign on scholarship terms with the Reds, with a professional contract already lined up once he turns 17 in January 2027. The pathway on offer at the Merseyside club is thought to have swayed the decision in the English side’s favour.

Liverpool making big plans for the future?

Liverpool are serious about building their defence for the future, whilst also keeping in mind their need for top players in many positions at the back in the present. Whilst the signing of Jikiemi will help them develop the player for the near future, they have also agreed a summer move for highly rated French defensive talent Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, a deal struck in January.

Arne Slot also needs senior defenders in the mix alongside those young prospects coming through. There are some changes expected in the summer, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk’s immediate futures beyond the current season in significant doubt, with the former now leaning towards leaving on a free transfer.