Chelsea are preparing to lose teenager Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool.
The addition of a teenage forward to Liverpool is reportedly nearing completion.
The Reds have persisted in their strategy of attracting promising young talents to their academy. Recently, Liverpool have recruited players such as Stefan Bajcetic (Celta Vigo), Kaide Gordon (Derby County), Bobby Clark (Newcastle United), James McConnell (Sunderland), Ben Doak (Celtic), and Trey Nyoni (Leicester City) to Anfield. All have made appearances for the first team and are currently on tour with Arne Slot’s squad in the USA for pre-season.
This summer, Liverpool have acted to acquire Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea. The 16-year-old is highly regarded by the Stamford Bridge club and made nine appearances for the under-18s last season while still 15. He also made his debut for the under-21s in a 4-0 EFL Trophy victory over Colchester City and has trained with the first team.
Ngumoha has rejected new terms to join Liverpool, where he perceives a clearer path to senior football. Due to his age, the transfer must undergo a five-step review process by the Premier League, which includes interviews with the player, his family, and the two clubs, and a document ensuring no financial or similar inducements are involved. The final step is for the Premier League to approve or deny the transfer.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are expected to receive approval to sign Ngumoha, who will initially join the club’s under-18s. Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Liverpool are nearing completion of the PL five-step investigation process for Rio Ngumoha to join the club. The 2008-born talent has already agreed to the move after leaving Chelsea, as previously reported.”
