Since Brexit took the UK out of the EU, English clubs must navigate a stricter work-permit system, which is especially challenging for players who haven’t yet broken through at the highest level.
Austria youth international Ndukwe currently lacks the points needed for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) to secure a work visa.
There is, however, an alternative route via an Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) slot, designated for overseas players who don’t meet standard GBE criteria.
Premier League and Championship clubs can receive up to four ESC slots, determined by the percentage of minutes their England Qualified Players (EQP) played in the previous season.
These four places aren’t automatic. Reaching 35% EQP minutes unlocks all four; falling short reduces the number available.
Liverpool’s EQP percentage last season grants them only one ESC slot, already used by 18-year-old Senegalese Mor Talla Ndiaye.
Last season, Liverpool’s only English players were Freddie Woodman, Gomez, Rhys Williams, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who made a combined 83 Premier League appearances.
This followed Liverpool losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton, and sending Harvey Elliott out on loan.