Done Deal — Fabrizio Romano confirms Celtic have sealed agreement with Premier League club on transfer, Here We Go! Player has signed paperwork on Sunday to join on a 5 year contract.

Liverpool have continued their aggressive recruitment of elite young talent by securing another highly-rated prospect from Scotland, this time prising one of Celtic’s brightest academy stars away from Parkhead.

The Merseyside club have placed significant emphasis on strengthening their youth ranks in recent seasons, with a number of promising youngsters arriving from across Britain and Europe.

While attention often focuses on blockbuster first-team transfers, Liverpool’s long-term planning behind the scenes has remained equally important.

Across the UK, leading academies have become fiercely competitive battlegrounds, with clubs constantly monitoring the country’s best teenage prospects. Players capable of excelling at youth international level rarely go unnoticed, and when opportunities arise, Premier League giants are usually quick to act.

That appears to be exactly what has happened once again, as Liverpool have successfully completed another eye-catching academy addition involving one of Celtic’s emerging talents.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now finalised an agreement to sign Scotland Under-16 captain Dara Jikiemi from Celtic.

The respected journalist reported that all paperwork was completed on Sunday, with the youngster signing a five-year contract that will officially keep him at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

Romano posted:

“🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Liverpool have sealed deal to sign Scotland U16 captain Dara Jikiemi from Celtic, here we go!

Jikiemi has signed paperwork on Sunday to join #LFC on a 5 year contract. 🔴🤝🏿”

Jikiemi leaves Celtic regarded as one of the most exciting young defenders in Scottish football. His leadership qualities have already been recognised on the international stage after captaining Scotland’s Under-16 side, while his consistent performances at academy level attracted growing interest from several clubs.

Liverpool moved decisively to secure his signature, presenting a long-term development pathway that convinced both the player and his representatives.

The five-year agreement underlines the faith Liverpool have in the teenager’s potential. Although he is expected to continue his development within the club’s academy system initially, there is optimism that he can progress through the ranks over the coming years.

For Celtic, the departure represents another reminder of the challenges Scottish clubs face in retaining their most promising youngsters when elite Premier League sides come calling. Despite their renowned academy structure, competing financially and development-wise against clubs like Liverpool remains extremely difficult.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will hope Jikiemi follows the path of several academy recruits who have successfully developed into first-team contenders after arriving at the club as teenagers.

The move also highlights Liverpool’s continued commitment to investing heavily in the future, ensuring that alongside strengthening the senior squad, they are also assembling one of the country’s most talented collections of young prospects.