Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have reportedly won the race for the signature of talented central defender of Nigerian descent, Dara Jikiemi.

According to youth football expert, The Secret Scout, Liverpool have agreed terms with 15-year-old Jikiemi from Celtic.

Football Insider's transfer expert, Pete O'Rourke reported in April that Nottingham Forest were plotting a move for Celtic teenage sensation Jikiemi.

But the two-time European champions are set to miss out on the talented centre-back who is heading to Liverpool to continue his development.

A Scotland U15 international, Jikiemi was not included in the squad to face Spain last week as he was preparing for his move to Liverpool.

The defender has captained Scotland U15s in the past, wearing the armband in games against Greece and Spain, netting against the latter on April 29, 2025.

Born in 2010, Jikiemi will become eligible to sign a scholarship deal with Liverpool next year, upon turning 16.

Liverpool's youth setup already boasts several teenagers of Nigerian descent, including Joshua Abe, Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Emmanuel Airoboma, Wellity Lucky, Fola Onanuga and Shadrach Ekiugbo.

Last year, the Premier League giants pulled off a major transfer coup by signing Cobham product Rio Ngumoha, who has since made nine official first-team appearances.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel