Liverpool boss Arne Slot, over the summer, was reportedly involved in a tense stand-off with Richard Hughes, the sporting director of the Reds, over the future of Rio Ngumoha.
After replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, Slot became the first Dutchman – and just the fifth manager in their maiden season – to win the Premier League title, but things have started a bit differently in 2025/26. They sit fourth after 20 matches.
That's even after a summer of over-the-top spending, which included bringing in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz from Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.
Regressing from being the primary title challengers to being in the race for top four credentials was not on the agenda of anyone associated with the Anfield-based outfit, and it could be attributed to a significant falling out behind the scenes between Slot and the higher-ups.
Slot and Hughes in 'Civil War' Over Ngumoha Disagreement
Rio Ngumoha
The issues at Anfield, though, run far deeper than what fans are seeing on the pitch as ex-Feyenoord chief Slot, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football, reportedly 'ignited a civil war' over Liverpool's transfer policy.
Anfield Watch have confirmed in a report that Slot was keen to bolster his options on the left flank after Luis Diaz left for Bayern Munich. In what has been described as a 'heated clash', Hughes refused to give into the Dutchman's demands.
Instead, Hughes informed the Liverpool boss that 17-year-old Ngumoha deserved a chance to play following a promising pre-season campaign, which saw him notch five goal contributions in the same number of matches.
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As a result, the sporting director wanted Ngumoha – and Trey Nyoni, who also impressed in their pre-season – to be given more of a chance to impress at a senior level.
Under the guidance of Klopp, young and up-and-coming hotshots would have benefitted from a decent pre-season, but that is not the same under Slot, who is clearly not of the same mindset given that he wanted to loan Ngumoha out after Diaz departed.
Instead of keeping the teenage sensation in his squad, Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain was mooted as the perfect Diaz replacement – and Slot wanted to offload Ngumoha on loan to boost their pursuit of the tricky Frenchman.
psg barcola
Anfield Watch has reported there has been a 'source of contention' between Liverpool's boardroom bosses and Slot ever since.
The powers that be on the red half of Merseyside have made it clear they expect a clear pathway for academy players into senior proceedings, but Slot is adamant he requires those who are able to make an immediate impact. He has little interest in working with the club's academy stars nor to try and develop them.
Liverpool Staff Have Made 'Numerous Attempts' To Convince Slot to Integrate Youngsters
liverpool arne slot
Anfield Watch's report also understands the club have made in-roads behind the scenes in order to convince Slot to utilise the academy at his disposal. They've tried to coordinate U21 sessions to take place simultaneously with the first-team and, last month, the club organised an academy showcase designed for Slot and his first-team coaching staff.
Despite it being primarily organised for his assessment, Slot did not personally attend the showcase, but there were some first-team coaches present.
Elsewhere, Luiz Fernando Iubel was hired as an individual coach in the summer and the Brazilian's arrival is a bit of an attempt to compensate for Slot's reluctance to work with younger players. Iubel's role at the moment is focused on working with young players.
Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG's Chief Executive of Football, are of the belief that a Liverpool boss not only has to yield success but working closely with academy products is also a key factor behind what they would consider 'success'. Whether the 47-year-old will continue in the dugout, though, does remain to be seen.