While Liverpool may not be ready to win the Premier League or Champions League just yet, fans believe that Andoni Iraola is building a team capable of competing in the not too distant future. Some of the Reds' young players have really shone during the first part of the campaign, including new signing Jérémy Jacquet. Nevertheless, the player supporters are most exciting about remain Rio Ngumoha.
Still only 18 years old, the winger has started against Newcastle, Atlético Madrid and Tottenham, seriously challenging Víctor Muñoz, Cody Gakpo and big-money new signing Bradley Barcola for minutes in attack. Well, Ngumoha's performances have even caught Thomas Tuchel's attention.
The teenager has been included in the England squad for this week's UEFA Nations League fixtures, hoping to earn his competitive international debut; he did play the second 45 minutes of July's friendly win over New Zealand in Tampa.
Meantime, that has been some speculation around Ngumoha's club future, but has that now been put to bed? According to widespread reports, Liverpool are in talks with the player's representatives over a new contract. Ngumoha's current deal expires in 2028, a contract he signed a year after arriving from Chelsea.
Back then, he was a mere academy player with little expirence, so his current wages, reported to be £35,000-per-week, will reflect that. Thus, considering his importance has increased exponentially, especially in recent weeks, he should expect a bumper pay rise.
Perhaps this new contract has been expedited by purported interest from Arsenal. According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, the Gunners are interested in signing Ngumoha, adding that "they like him" and that there exists "interest from lots of clubs in him", given that "he’s such a precocious talent".
Nevertheless, there has never been any suggestion that the 18 year old is planning to move away from Anfield. Last season was Ngumoha's breakthrough campaign at senior level, announcing himself by bagging the winner at St James' Park in the tenth minute of injury time against Newcastle.
UNBELIEVABLE!!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/P60Iq2kQdY
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2025
Later on in the campaign, the teenager was also on target against Fulham at Anfield, racking up almost 1,000 minutes under Arne Slot. Thus, this has given him the platform to be even more important for Iraola.
By the time Liverpool are next in action, facing Manchester City on 11 October, Ngumoha's stock could be even higher, likely to play some part in England's four games. Thus, the Reds are right to offer him a bumper new contract, and fast!
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