Deadline for extending Liverpool's contract with Rio Ngumoha draws near, with spectators showing excitement over the teenager's performance in a pre-season friendly match
In the recent pre-season friendlies, 16-year-old Liverpool youth prospect Rio Ngumoha stole the spotlight. The youngster, who joined Liverpool last summer from Chelsea, showcased his potential with a goal from outside the box within the opening two minutes of the first friendly match against Athletic Club [1].
Ngumoha's impressive performance extended to the second friendly, where he started alongside Cody Gakpo, who scored two goals. Despite Liverpool's 3-2 defeat, Ngumoha's impact was undeniable [2].
Mohamed Salah, ranked number one in our website's list of the best Premier League players of last season, also scored a goal in the second friendly match [3].
Rio Ngumoha's future at Liverpool is uncertain, with speculation surrounding whether the club will loan him out this season or retain him in the first-team setup [4]. However, Fabrizio Romano, a transfer expert, stated that Liverpool is preparing a new contract proposal for Ngumoha, reflecting the club's high hopes for his impact this season [5].
Ngumoha's impressive pre-season form follows his professional debut as a starter in the FA Cup earlier this calendar year [6]. His role over the past 12 months at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre has seen him make a name for himself, earning him the trust of the club [7].
Liverpool's boss Arne Slot fielded two different XIs in the two friendlies against Athletic Club, with Ngumoha featuring in both. Despite Athletic Club losing both friendlies, Ngumoha's performances suggest he could become a permanent first-team player in the 2025-2026 season [1].
Given Luis Diaz's departure, there is an opportunity for Ngumoha to secure playing time on the left wing this season [2]. However, Liverpool's recent signings of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz for big money could potentially limit Ngumoha's minutes to the odd cup appearance.
Despite this, Ngumoha seems happy at the club, given his role over the past 12 months, and is expected to sign his first professional contract with Liverpool around his 17th birthday on August 29, 2025 [2]. The club has already bent its usual wage policy for academy graduates to secure him, a testament to their high hopes for his impact this season.
[1] Source: [Link to source 1] [2] Source: [Link to source 2] [3] Source: [Link to source 3] [4] Source: [Link to source 4] [5] Source: [Link to source 5] [6] Source: [Link to source 6] [7] Source: [Link to source 7]
Rio Ngumoha's impressive pre-season performances in the recent friendlies could potentially propel him towards a spot in the 2025-2026 European-leagues season with Liverpool, as he showcases his talent in the Premier League. Given Liverpool's high hopes for his impact, they are preparing a new contract proposal for the 16-year-old football prodigy.
