Do Liverpool face a fight to keep hold of Rio Ngumoha? Andoni Iraola has been tasked with turning the Reds back into Premier League and Champions League winners, meaning the teenaged winger is one of the club's most prized assets. He has started three of seven matches so far this season, in the XI against Newcastle, Atlético Madrid and Tottenham, despite strong competition from Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Víctor Muñoz.
Thus, Ngumoha's performances have caught the attention of other potential destinations. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are both purported suitors, with countless leading European clubs supposedly monitoring him too. However, speaking earlier this week, journalist Lewis Steele asserts that the 18 year old has no desire to leave.
"Ngumoha is completely happy and contract talks are moving along. We know that there’s other clubs sniffing around the Ngumoha situation, but Liverpool want him to be the face of our future or one of the faces... Ngumoha is happy at Liverpool and he wants to continue. He’s loving life."Lewis Steele
The forward spent the vast majority of his youth career at Chelsea, before joining Liverpool at the age of 16. Following a tribunal, the Reds were forced to pay £2.8 million for his signature. Ngumoha signed his first professional contract on Merseyside in 2025, reportedly earning £35,000-per-week.
This was reflective of his squad role, at the time, that of an unproven academy prospect. Now a starting figure for Iraola, despite heavy investment in wide forwards this summer, he should expect a bumper pay rise. Well, by the time Liverpool are next in action against Manchester City on 11 October, he could have another important landmark on his CV.
Ngumoha made his senior England debut against New Zealand in June. He was introduced as a half time substitute during the pre-World Cup friendly at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. At the time, it was reported that Thomas Tuchel want to add the teenager to his World Cup squad, but was not allowed to do so, as he was not on the provisional 55-man roster.
Nevertheless, he is now back in the squad ahead of this week's UEFA Nations League fixtures. Thus, Ngumoha could make his competitive England debut against world and European champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday night. After that, the Three Lions face Czech Republic in Prague, Croatia in Rijeka and then Czechia again back in Northwest London. When he returns at club level, sorting out Ngumoha's new contract has to be near the top of Julian Ward's to do list.
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