Liverpool's contract negotiation deadline with Rio Ngumoha is approaching, as fervor grows among fans following his impressive performance in a friendly match
Liverpool Prepares Long-Term Contract for Rising Star Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool is set to offer a professional contract to 16-year-old youth prospect Rio Ngumoha, as the club shows its commitment to securing his future amid interest from other European clubs. The contract, expected to extend to 2028, is a testament to Ngumoha's impressive preseason performances and his promising career at the AXA Training Centre over the past 12 months.
Ngumoha, who turns 17 later this month, has showcased his technical prowess as a winger, primarily left-sided but right-footed. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, composure, and a playing style that blends direct one-on-one challenges with incisive passing and shooting, Ngumoha can also play as an attacking midfielder.
The young star made his senior debut in January 2025 and has trained regularly with Liverpool’s first team. With the departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, potential opportunities for Ngumoha to earn game time this season have arisen. However, there is no rush to fast-track his senior involvement, as he seems happy at the club given his role over the past year.
Liverpool played two friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield on Monday evening, with Ngumoha scoring the opening goal in the first match from outside the box. The Reds won the match against Athletic's youngsters with a score of 4-1. In the second match, Cody Gakpo scored two goals, but it was the performance of the young Ngumoha that caught the eye.
The new contract proposal for Ngumoha is aimed at showing the club's trust in him. Liverpool appears keen to integrate him into their squad gradually rather than immediately sending him out on loan. The club's willingness to bend wage policies for this academy graduate and to prepare a significant contract indicates they want to nurture him internally before considering external development options.
However, the signing of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz for big money may limit Ngumoha's minutes to occasional cup appearances. Arne Slot, Liverpool's boss, fielded two different XIs against Athletic Club, suggesting a rotation strategy for the preseason.
Rio Ngumoha joined Liverpool last summer at the age of 15, after leaving the Chelsea academy. His Twitter account posted a message saying "Rio Ngumoha. The boy's a bit special." on August 4, 2025, reflecting the excitement surrounding his potential.
Liverpool's decision to offer a long-term contract to Ngumoha is a strategic move to secure the services of a promising young talent. With his impressive performances and the club's commitment, Ngumoha is set to play a significant role in Liverpool's future.
[1] Fabrizio Romano, "Liverpool preparing new contract proposal for Rio Ngumoha," YouTube, August 2025. [2] Liverpool FC, "Liverpool FC signs Rio Ngumoha," Official Liverpool FC website, July 2024. [3] Athletic Club, "Athletic Club loses both friendlies against Liverpool," Official Athletic Club website, August 2025. [4] Goal.com, "Liverpool set to offer long-term contract to Rio Ngumoha," Goal.com, August 2025.
[1] Rio Ngumoha's exceptional football skills and impressive preseason performances have caught the attention of European leagues, but Liverpool, eager to secure his long-term future, plans to extend his contract until 2028.
[2] As a rising star in the Premier League, Rio Ngumoha's contract with Liverpool, coupled with his technical prowess and versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to sport analysis discussions about his promising career.
