Liverpool signed the 17-year-old Senegalese center-back talent Mor Ndiaye from Amitie FC and strengthened its defensive ranks at academy level in 2026
13:27, 06 Jan 2026Updated 19:05, 15 May 2026
Liverpool’s Mor Ndiaye of Senegal in action at the U17 World Cup(Image: Jurij Kodrun – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool has handed a place in its matchday squad against Aston Villa to Senegalese teenager Mor Ndiaye, who plays as a center-back after joining up with the Reds’ U21s set-up under Rob Page in January.
But who is Ndiaye? Recently 18, the young defender played for the Senegalese second-tier side Amitie FC, which is owned by the former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba.
The young defender – who is sometimes referred to by his full name, El Hadji Mor Talla Ndiaye – impressed at the recent U17 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four games at the tournament, which ended with Senegal’s elimination by Uganda in the round of 32 stage.
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Ndiaye has helped bolster Liverpool’s defensive options at youth level. At the time, because of a lack of senior options, Wellity Lucky became an almost permanent fixture in Arne Slot’s matchday squads.
Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury and Joe Gomez being absent for a period meant a lack of alternatives. Amara Nallo had also been handed chances at times.
As a result, Liverpool lacked depth in that area across the age groups. Adding someone with the potential to one day make it at senior level at Anfield made sense – and that’s what Liverpool did.
Liverpool U21 head coach Rob Page (left) and U18 head coach Simon Wiles (right)(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ndiaye is a left-footed center-back who plays on that side, which is an advantage he holds over others in a similar position. Finding defenders who can play on the left can prove more difficult at times.
He is tall, quick and reads the game well. At the U17 World Cup, Ndiaye impressed with his composure and quality on the ball.
His technical quality and ability to break the lines with passes are obviously hugely important at a team that dominates possession. Ndiaye is also relatively fast and good at covering ground.
Ndiaye has made a handful of appearances for the U21s before being named in the senior matchday squad vs Manchester United this month. He didn’t make the field that time, but has another chance against Aston Villa.
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In recent years, Liverpool has signed the likes of Lucky and Nallo, as well as Billy Koumetio, who now plays for Dundee in Scotland. Rhys Williams, now 24, is currently on the Reds’ books but is likely to seek a move away.
Bringing players through the academy has been a big priority in recent years, with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni permanent fixtures with the senior team this season. The likes of James McConnell and Bobby Clark have also been handed opportunities.
With a pathway to the first team evident, even if there have been calls for Ngumoha, in particular, to get more chances under Arne Slot this season, there is a desire to continue to show that chances are there for those who progress.