Overview
- Liverpool have confirmed paperwork has been signed for Dara Jikiemi to join their academy on a five-year agreement and he is due to move to Merseyside for the 2026–27 academy year.
- Because Jikiemi is 16 the deal is structured as a scholarship with a professional contract expected once he turns 17, and Celtic will receive training compensation rather than a conventional transfer fee.
- Jikiemi captained Scotland’s U15 and U16 teams and is viewed as a versatile defensive prospect who can play at centre-back and in deeper midfield roles.
- Reports say Liverpool tracked the player since late 2025 and that he rejected a long-term offer from Celtic after interest from several English clubs before choosing Liverpool.
- The signing is the latest example of Liverpool’s academy-focused recruitment to replenish centre-back options and could provide first-team depth or future resale value similar to previous Scottish academy recruits.