Rio Ngumoha is claimed to have reached a verbal agreement on terms with Bayern Munich, but any move has fallen through with Liverpool not selling.
Ngumoha is not expected to leave Liverpool this summer despite Bayern Munich exploring a deal for the 17-year-old winger.
Bayern’s interest in the youngster was first reported on Friday evening, with The Athletic‘s David Ornstein writing that he is the Bundesliga’s “main target” to reinforce the left side of their attack.
However, it is maintained via various sources that Liverpool are unwilling to sell their No. 73 as he is a key part of their project.
Sky Germany‘s Florian Plettenberg claims that the situation went as far as Ngumoha reaching a “complete verbal agreement” with Bayern for in the event of a deal being agreed.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha on the bench before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray A.?. at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He is claimed to have held “personal talks” with Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany, though Ornstein is among those to report that no contact has been made between the two clubs.
Either way, with Liverpool insisting Ngumoha is not for sale, Plettenberg adds that any potential deal “fell through for the time being” on Thursday.
Bayern’s focus instead turns to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown and PSV Eindhoven’s Ismael Saibari, both of whom occupy the left flank.
“If both deals go through, it’s very likely that no additional left winger will be signed,” Plettenberg further claims on X.
Is Bayern’s interest in Rio Ngumoha genuine?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha reacts during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There are suspicions over the timing and accuracy of these reports with Ngumoha seemingly happy on Merseyside and set to continue his rise to importance under Andoni Iraola.
This Is Anfield understands Liverpool have distanced themselves from any speculation, which indicates those around the AXA Training Centre consider there little to comment on.
It has been suggested that the briefing of Bayern’s interest in Ngumoha is tied to their decision to pull out of a deal for Hertha Berlin prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, who is subject of a strong pursuit from Anfield and has a €12 million (£10.4m) release clause.
As relayed by Bavarian Football Works, Plettenberg reported earlier this week that Bayern chiefs had “vetoed the move” due to the request of a €10 million (£8.6m) signing-on fee from the 16-year-old’s camp.
Liverpool are seemingly undeterred and are claimed to be in “pole position” for a deal which would only officially go through when the midfielder turns 18 next summer.
Whether that angered those at the Allianz Arena and prompted claims over Ngumoha remains to be seen – but it is certainly not out of the question.