Rio Ngumoha has emerged as leading target for Bayern Munich as they look to strengthen their left wing this summer, but Liverpool insist he is not for sale.
Ngumoha’s reputation has soared since his breakthrough as part of Liverpool’s first team, which has seen him involved with England ahead of the World Cup.
A campaign that saw the 17-year-old make 29 appearances for the Reds, scoring twice and assisting another, has also sparked interest from elsewhere.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein now reports that Bayern are exploring the possibility of signing Ngumoha this summer, as they consider him their “main target” to add to their left-sided options in attack.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ngumoha is “aware of Bayern’s strong interest and intentions,” though it is unclear as of yet whether he would consider a move to the Allianz Arena.
Liverpool are yet to receive contact from Bayern but have already stressed that their No. 73 is strictly not for sale.
“They plan to enhance their options in his area of the pitch, rather than diminish them,” Ornstein adds.
The teenager is currently tied to Liverpool until 2028, having signed a three-year contract last year – the maximum length possible for his first professional terms.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side's winning third goal, his first competitive goal on Premier League debut becoming Liverpool's youngest ever goal-scorer, during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But there was an understanding even at the time his current deal was announced that the club could seek to reward him with an improved, extended contract in the near future to fully reflect his value.
Bayern already have former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their first-choice starter on the left, and it was the desire to not block Ngumoha’s pathway which convinced the Reds not to directly replace the Colombian last summer.
However there are now plans in motion to sign at least one new top-level winger in the upcoming transfer window with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande the leading candidate.
Bradley Barcola PSG vs. Liverpool Champions League 2025 (Martin Rickett/PA)
If another, such as Paris Saint-Germain left winger Bradley Barcola, were also to be signed as has been tentatively mooted, that could hinder Ngumoha’s chances of a regular starting role.
Clearly there is a delicate balancing act in motion, but no final decisions can truly be made until new head coach Andoni Iraola assesses his squad.
Speculation over Ngumoha’s future is unlikely to go away at this point in the summer but supporters will hope the youngster stays put for the long term.