Liverpool have secured the signature of highly rated Celtic youth defender Dara Jikiemi ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 16-year-old Scotland Under-15 international has turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at Celtic Park, opting instead for a move to Merseyside. TEAMtalk reports the Reds have beaten competition from other interested clubs to land one of Scotland’s brightest defensive prospects.
The move continues Liverpool’s successful recruitment strategy targeting Scottish talent.
Ben Doak and Calvin Ramsay both made similar switches from Scottish football to Anfield’s academy system in recent years.
Jikiemi becomes the latest teenager to follow that pathway, viewing Liverpool as the ideal environment for his development into a professional footballer.
Liverpool offer clearer pathway to first team than Celtic?
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Celtic are set to lose highly rated centre-back Dara Jikiemi to Liverpool when the player turns 17 next January.
He has rejected a contract offer from Celtic as well as several English sides in favour of Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/MUQyAfeHKi
— Football News Headlines (@footballheadlyn) March 15, 2026
Jikiemi faced a straightforward choice between remaining at Celtic or joining Liverpool.
The teenager ultimately selected Anfield after Liverpool had pursued him since December. Several clubs showed interest, but the Reds moved decisively to wrap up the transfer. He will initially join on scholarship terms before signing a professional contract when he turns 17 in January 2027.
The clearer route to first-team football at Liverpool reportedly convinced Jikiemi to leave Scotland.
Celtic presented an offer to keep him in Glasgow, but the prospect of developing within Liverpool’s academy structure proved more appealing. The Merseyside club has demonstrated their willingness to promote academy graduates in recent seasons, providing genuine opportunities for talented youngsters.
Dara Jikiemi is comfortable in multiple positions
Primarily a central defender, Jikiemi possesses the technical ability to operate in midfield when required.
That versatility makes him particularly valuable for youth team football where adaptability often proves crucial. His performances for Celtic’s youth sides caught attention from scouts across Britain, establishing his reputation as one of Scotland’s most promising teenage defenders.
Liverpool view his multi-positional capability as a significant asset. Modern defenders need comfort on the ball and tactical intelligence to play in various systems. Jikiemi ticks both boxes according to scouting reports. His decision-making and composure have impressed observers despite his young age.
Reds address defensive concerns across age groups
Securing Jikiemi forms part of Liverpool’s broader defensive recruitment strategy.
The club already agreed a summer deal for Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes during January. Those additions target future needs while Arne Slot also requires immediate senior reinforcements at centre-back.
Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation remains unresolved beyond this season. Ibrahima Konate increasingly looks likely to depart on a free transfer when his deal expires. Liverpool must balance developing young talent like Jikiemi with signing experienced defenders capable of contributing immediately.
The Scottish teenager represents a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution to their current defensive issues.
