Liverpool Take Bold Steps After Teen Sensation Shines in Training
Liverpool have had to make significant decisions after one of their rising stars caused a stir during first-team training sessions.
In their first pre-season match this summer, the Reds secured a 3-1 win over Preston North End. Goals came from Conor Bradley, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo, on a day filled with emotion. The game also featured tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both of whom tragically died in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
Due to Jota’s passing, Liverpool adjusted their pre-season plans, postponing the return dates of some players. This allowed several academy prospects to feature in the match — including 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea in 2024.
Ngumoha, just 16 years and 135 days old, had already made history in January by becoming the youngest player to start for Liverpool in an FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley. Since then, his development has only accelerated.
Reports from Anfield Watch in January revealed that Ngumoha had been dazzling senior players since his call-up to first-team training under Arne Slot in late 2024. The coaching staff, reportedly amazed by his talent, even began removing training footage of him from the club’s ‘Inside Training’ videos to manage hype around the youngster.
While Liverpool are taking a cautious approach with Ngumoha, excitement continues to build. Journalist David Lynch reports the club is preparing a professional contract for the winger once he turns 17 next month.
“He’s clearly being prepped for a more prominent role,” Lynch stated. “Pre-season is his chance to show he deserves more minutes. When he turns 17, a contract announcement is expected. He just wants to keep building, stay in the mix, and earn more appearances.”
