A highly-rated Celtic academy talent is reportedly set to leave the club after rejecting a new long-term contract offer in Glasgow, with Liverpool emerging as favourites for his signature.
According to reports, 16-year-old defender Dara Jikiemi has decided against extending his stay at Celtic Park and is instead preparing for a move to Anfield ahead of the new season.
The Scotland youth international has attracted significant interest from several Premier League clubs following an impressive campaign at academy level. Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest were both believed to be monitoring the teenager closely, but Liverpool now appear to have won the race for his signature.
Celtic had reportedly offered the youngster a fresh long-term deal in an attempt to keep one of their brightest prospects at the club. However, the player is understood to have chosen a move south in search of greater opportunities and a lucrative development pathway.
The move would mirror the path taken by former Celtic prospect Ben Doak, who also left Parkhead for Liverpool as a teenager before establishing himself as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents.
Because the transfer involves a cross-border move, Celtic are only expected to receive training compensation rather than a major transfer fee.
Jikiemi’s expected departure continues a growing trend of promising academy players leaving Celtic for clubs in England. In recent years, several young talents have moved south in pursuit of first-team opportunities and elite-level development.
While the loss will undoubtedly disappoint Celtic supporters, the club remains committed to developing young talent through its academy system as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign.
