Liverpool Set to Secure New Contract for Rising Star Rio Ngumoha

Liverpool are moving to lock down one of their brightest young stars, with the club now said to “fully expect” an agreement on a new contract for Rio Ngumoha.

The 18-year-old winger emerged as one of the few positives in a flat Liverpool campaign last season, his sharp feet and fearlessness on the ball cutting through the gloom. While senior forwards struggled for rhythm, Ngumoha often looked like the one player capable of injecting life into tired performances, prompting calls for him to start ahead of the out-of-sorts Cody Gakpo.

That impact inevitably drew attention. Bayern Munich tested the waters earlier in the summer, with the youngster briefly linked to a surprise move to the Bundesliga giants. Liverpool, though, moved quickly to shut that noise down, and Bayern have since turned their focus elsewhere.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano underlined Liverpool’s stance this week, describing Ngumoha as “untouchable” inside Anfield.

“Should anything happen, Barcola or not Barcola, two wingers – because Liverpool’s intention is to add two wingers to the squad, especially if Gakpo goes to Tottenham – in any case, Rio Ngumoha is untouchable,” Romano said. “Rio Ngumoha was never close to joining Bayern this summer. Rio, for Liverpool, is absolutely crucial part of their present and future project.”

That internal view is now being backed up by a new deal. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool “fully expect” to finalise an agreement with Ngumoha on improved terms and “no longer fear” losing him to a rival in the near future.

When he first arrived, Liverpool handed the teenager the maximum three-year contract permitted. That already looks outdated. The report claims the club are now ready to recognise his rapid rise with a significantly upgraded package, including a major pay rise and performance-related bonuses tied to international appearances, as they prepare for him to become a fully established senior player.

While Liverpool move to secure Ngumoha, another winger’s future appears to be heading in the opposite direction.

TEAMtalk report that Cody Gakpo has informed the club he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutch forward, who struggled to convince across last season, is understood to have agreed personal terms in principle with Spurs through his representatives.

Those representatives have now spoken directly to Liverpool’s hierarchy to spell out the player’s stance. Gakpo has reportedly told the club he does not see his long-term future at Anfield and wants the chance to restart his Premier League career in north London.

If Gakpo gets his move and Liverpool press ahead with plans to bring in two wide players, the picture becomes clear: Ngumoha is no longer just a promising kid on the fringes. He is the winger Liverpool are building around.