After going through a five-step Premier League registration process, Liverpool have completed a deal with Chelsea to sign 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool were very quiet in the summer transfer window, particularly regarding first-team signings. The club’s only major reinforcement for the 2024/25 campaign came on the day before Deadline Day when Federico Chiesa joined the squad.
However, Liverpool have now completed a signing for their youth team by securing the services of teenager Ngumoha, who left Chelsea to join the Merseyside club.
Importantly, this is not a first-team signing but one intended to strengthen Liverpool’s academy.
Ngumoha, a highly-rated young playmaker, had been linked with Liverpool for several months.
On Wednesday evening, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, noting that the player is viewed as a promising talent by the club.
He reports: “Liverpool complete Premier League 5 step investigation process for Rio Ngumoha to join the club, confirmed.
“2008-born talent agreed to the move after he left Chelsea, as exclusively revealed in June.
“Done, completed.”
đź”´âś… Liverpool complete Premier League 5 step investigation process for Rio Ngumoha to join the club, confirmed.
2008 born talent agreed to the move after he left Chelsea, as exclusively revealed in June.
Done, completed. 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/sGSyPdnF5L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2024
The Athletic reports that Ngumoha has signed a standard scholarship deal with the Reds and is expected to make his debut for the U18 team after the international break.
The versatile attacker, who primarily operates on the left wing, made just four starts for Chelsea’s U-18 team last season.
During that time, he registered one goal and one assist.
Additionally, he featured in seven matches for England’s U-15 squad, contributing two goals and two assists.
Liverpool’s reputation for developing young talent is well-known, with the club consistently making smart investments in both first-team and youth prospects.
The Reds have a tradition of promoting academy players, as seen in their success in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea last season, where several academy graduates played crucial roles.
While Ngumoha’s potential is clear, it remains to be seen whether he will make a significant impact at Anfield.
As a youth signing, he will have time to develop within the club’s system, but only time will tell if this move proves successful for both Liverpool and the player.
