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Liverpool appear to be closing in on their first January transfer(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\nLiverpool are closing in on the signing of Celtic wonderkid Dara Jikiemi, with the Scottish youngster now expected to follow in the footsteps of Ben Gannon-DoakLiverpool appear to be closing in on their first January transfer(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Liverpool are eyeing up a move for 15-year-old prodigy Dara Jikiemi from Celtic<\/a>. However, the Reds face competition from their Premier League<\/a> rivals.<\/p>\n Jikiemi has yet to make his debut for Celtic’s first team, but his performances in the Under-18s squad have seemingly caught their attention. According to various sources, as reported by The Mail<\/a>, all signs point towards Liverpool<\/a> securing the young talent. Nottingham Forest<\/a> are another club credited with interest.<\/p>\n Arne Slot<\/a>‘s side will need to act quickly to avoid disappointment. Succeeding in signing Jikiemi, who turns 16 in January, would see the teenager join their academy next year.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Liverpool dressing room in agreement after Arne Slot and Mo Salah row and back new decision<\/a>READ MORE: Richard Keys interrupted with shouts of ‘no’ after Mohamed Salah Liverpool row comments<\/a><\/p>\n The Reds are no strangers to recruiting young talent from Celtic. They made a tidy profit on Scottish international Ben Gannon-Doak.<\/p>\n The now-20-year-old joined them in 2022 at the age of 16. Celtic received a \u00a3600,000 compensation fee because Doak had not signed a professional contract with the Scottish club.<\/p>\n Doak reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer from fellow Premier League side Leeds United<\/a> to join the Jurgen Klopp-led team. The Scotsman only made a few appearances for them before being loaned out to Middlesbrough.<\/p>\n It was at the Riverside Stadium where Doak showcased his talent. There, he began validating their \u00a3600k investment – particularly given the substantial profit they would later make from his sale.<\/p>\n Following his spell with Boro, they sold Doak to Bournemouth<\/a> in a deal worth \u00a320m plus an additional \u00a35m in potential add-ons. While this was a savvy move by Liverpool, it’s Doak’s ascent to Premier League level that the Reds will be hoping to emulate with Jikiemi.<\/p>\n The Scottish international was reportedly excused from national youth duty to facilitate his move to Liverpool, with terms believed to be agreed between both parties.<\/p>\n Even at his tender age, Jikiemi has demonstrated maturity and leadership, having captained Scotland’s Under-15s side. As with Doak, Celtic would receive training compensation if the youngster departs, as he is a product of their academy.<\/p>\n Ideally, the Scottish giants would prefer to sign these prodigies professionally, allow them to gain experience in the Scottish Premiership, and then sell them for a higher fee.<\/p>\n However, the opportunity to rise through the ranks of Liverpool’s esteemed academy and potentially become a club legend – much like Steven Gerrard<\/a>, Robbie Fowler<\/a>, Ian Callaghan and many others – is likely too tempting to pass up.<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1_Liverpool-v-Athletic-Club-Bilbao-Pre-Season-Friendly.jpg\")
Ben Gannon-Doak signed for Liverpool from Celtic before joining Bournemouth this summer(Image: Offside via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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