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Liverpool’s commitment to Rio Ngumoha shaping transfer decisions
In an effort to ensure a clear path to the first team for Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool have opted against targeting certain players during the transfer window.
Ngumoha, who is set to celebrate his 17th birthday later this week, has made one senior appearance so far. The milestone will also mark the signing of his first professional contract, aligning with his status as a first-team consideration.
The young forward made a strong impression during pre-season, particularly with goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Club. His performances have signaled he is set to take on a larger role in the upcoming campaign.
Arne Slot is aware Liverpool “have to take care” when it comes to integrating Ngumoha and fellow youngster Trey Nyoni into the high demands of senior-level football. The club has made a deliberate effort not to place obstacles in their development path.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool “have said they would rather create a pathway” for Ngumoha “than sign Bradley Barcola or Malick Fofana.”
Both Barcola (22) and Fofana (20) are talented wide attackers, but bringing them in would have potentially curtailed Ngumoha’s opportunities in the forward line—not just this season, but in the longer term as well.
This decision underscores the high esteem in which the 16-year-old is held. Despite being linked to PSG’s Barcola and Lyon’s Fofana during a transformative summer, Liverpool have stayed focused on internal growth aligned with Slot’s vision.
Instead of spending big, the Reds are choosing to invest in Ngumoha and their own developmental infrastructure. That said, they’ve yet to finalize a compensation agreement with Chelsea for the youngster’s move.
Should negotiations fail, a tribunal will determine the fee—similar to how Liverpool secured Harvey Elliott from Fulham when he was 16.
Ngumoha will be carefully managed to avoid excessive pressure, but his pre-season form suggests he’s ready to embrace the spotlight.
Slot has also minimized talk of needing more attacking reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline, though Alexander Isak remains on strike in pursuit of a transfer to Anfield
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