Rio Ngumoha is attracting interest from Bayern Munich this summer, but Andoni Iraola has shown why he needs the chance to work with the teenager before any transfer is even considered
04:00, 07 Jun 2026
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield, Liverpool, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha is attracting interest from Bayern Munich(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool didn’t offer much to get excited about during the 2025/26 season. Not since the days of Roy Hodgson’s ill-fated spell at Anfield was there such a feeling of crushing disappointment among supporters for what they were being offered up on a weekly basis.
If there was one ray of hope emerging from those dismal last few games, which felt as though they would go on forever, it was Rio Ngumoha. You only had to listen to the boos that greeted Arne Slot’s decision to substitute him against Chelsea to realize just what Liverpool has on its hands with the teenager.
While most of his teammates had supporters eyeing up the exits, Ngumoha gave them something to get them on the edge of their seats. Unsurprisingly, they weren’t the only ones to sit up and take notice.
At just 17, he’s already been recognized with a call-up for England’s pre-World Cup training camp. Although he won’t play a part in this summer’s tournament, he’s already well on the path to international stardom.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that he’s attracting interest from another of Europe’s titans then. Bayern Munich is keeping a very close eye on Ngumoha, with The Athletic revealing that the German giant is exploring a move.
Liverpool hasn’t been afraid to let go of some of its biggest academy stars over the years, even when supporters have expected them to make it at Anfield. The likes of Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, Tyler Morton and Ben Gannon-Doak have all left, and earned the Reds a pretty penny recently.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - JUNE 02: Rio Ngumoha and Josh King of England react as they work out in the gym on June 02, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha is already on the way to international stardom(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
You’d expect Bayern would have to break the bank then if it wants Ngumoha, such is the hype surrounding him. We can only guess what that figure is though, considering Liverpool is not interested in selling him.
And rightly so. Yes, he is still a raw talent, but who isn’t at his age? The temptation to cash in and use the money to sign a ready-made star might be there, but the long-term benefits of keeping Ngumoha surely outweigh the short-term effect of selling him - especially with Andoni Iraola on his way.
While fans were left frustrated at times by Slot’s hesitance to give Ngumoha and other youngsters a chance, Iraola doesn’t seem to hold the same reservations.
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The Spaniard built quite the reputation for developing Bournemouth’s young prospects. Dean Huijsen earned himself a $67 million move to Real Madrid after just one season under his guidance, while the Cherries could be set to earn even more from Iraola’s proteges.
Eli Junior Kroupi grabbed 13 league goals in his first season on the south coast, and in the process broke the record for the most scored by a teenager in his debut campaign in Premier League history, surpassing Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane. Now, The Times reports are suggesting he could be worth as much as $133M.
Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi
Andoni Iraola has already shown what he could do for Rio Ngumoha(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Meanwhile, Rayan needed just half a season to make his mark, with five goals in 15 appearances after signing for Bournemouth in January. Now, with Liverpool among those said to be interested, the Brazilian could reportedly set clubs back as much as $174M.
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Those staggering figures demonstrate just what Iraola could do for Ngumoha if he gets the chance to work with him. Even just a year under his guidance could see his stock go through the roof.
Whether that would then change Liverpool’s mind on selling him further down the line remains to be seen, but for the time being, there’s only one response to Bayern’s interest - move along, he's not for sale.