Liverpool Closing on 15-year-old Celtic Wonderkid - Media Watch

By Sneha Santra

Liverpool appears to be closing in on Celtic’s 15-year-old Dara Jikiemi, a move that signals far more than just another academy signing. According to Lewis Steele, the Reds are set to beat Nottingham Forest to one of Scotland’s most promising young defenders, in a recruitment battle that reflects the club’s renewed push to rebuild the academy pipeline with high-ceiling, high-intensity profiles.

Jikeimi is very young with amazing strengths that fit exactly into Liverpool. Securing him is not about just adding another player; it’s about winning the game. So, exactly, who is Dara Jikiemi? The highly-rated, sought-after 15-year-old has become one of the standout prospects in Celtic’s academy, earning attention from top Premier League scouts with his performance well beyond his age.

Meet Celtic Prospect Dara Jikiemi :

Dara Jiekiemi is a 15-year-old Centre Back (CB), Celtic academy’s and one of the best young defenders in Scotland. He stands out for his smart screening of the game; he often steps in to win the ball before the opponent even gets a chance! Currently, the talented skipper is captaining Scotland’s under-15s in all four of his appearances while directing play from the back.

Dara’s journey in football kicked off early, like most players. By the age of 8-9, he was trialling with bigger academies. Celtic FC took him without a second doubt. By 13, he was already playing up with U16s, winning the Scottish Youth Cup.

Liverpool Targeting

Liverpool’s interest in Dara Jikiemi fits seamlessly into the club’s wider recruitment shift, which identifies athletic, tactically adaptable defenders before their breakthrough years. His unmatched defensive IQ is a huge plus. Many scouts described him as “Dominant in duels” and “exceptionally composed playing out from the back”, characteristics Liverpool view as essential in a future first-team profile.

What Value Does He Bring

His ability to break opposition lines in a way that mirrors the club’s modern centre-back requirements. He can operate centrally or in a wider defensive position. Now this is pretty solid for Liverpool’s evolving hybrid systems.

Liverpool’s recruitment staff, who have tracked him extensively, describe the teenage defender as “ calm under pressure and physically ahead of most in his age group”, which reflects further a composure rare for his age and an early sign of leadership in defence.

Coaches and national team staff expressed that while captaining Scotland’s under-15s, Dara showcased profound maturity and leadership capability, which is rare to find. The Scottish player is expected to join Liverpool around January 2026.

What Other Teams are Saying

Nottingham Forest had been in talks with Celtic earlier this year, impressed by Jikiemi’s potential to one day play in the first team. Liverpool insiders describe him as a modern centre-back. He comes off strong, composed, and comfortable, starting attacks from the back.

Final Thoughts

His transfer is not the kind that shakes up the whole season overnight, and that is why it matters exactly. Liverpool is betting on potential, long-term impact and patience. And for Dara, it’s the dawn of his beginning of a beautiful breakthrough. From a promising teenager to a young defender stepping into one of football’s biggest ecosystems.