Highly rated youngster Rio Ngumoha is set to sign his first professional contract with Liverpool next month. Ngumoha turns 17-years-old on August 29th.
Ngumoha caused a stir last summer as a 15-year-old when he left Chelsea to join Liverpool. The folks down at Stamford Bridge were reportedly very frustrated by their inability to keep the sensation who had already trained with the first team. It was seen as a particularly strong move by Liverpool in terms of growing their already impressive youth program.
One year later, the investment paid off. Ngumoha has already made his senior debut in an FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley, along with two opportunities to join the matchday squad as an unused substitute.
Jürgen Klopp made it a priority to snatch up young, homegrown talent for the academy over his seven year reign with the club. That focus has paid dividends over the years, and Klopp was well known for giving the youngsters a chance to prove themselves in the first team. This has turned Liverpool into a desirable destination for young talents such as Ngumoha.
With this milestone, it’s likely Arne Slot will utilize the player more in this upcoming season as Liverpool look to defend their title and also challenge in the domestic cup and Europe.