New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is facing early transfer developments as Rio Ngumoha has been targeted by Bayern Munich, while the Reds are reportedly closest to triggering a player's release clause
08:29, 07 Jun 2026Updated 08:36, 07 Jun 2026
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates after scoring vs Fulham
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates after scoring vs Fulham(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is already facing his first major challenge as Liverpool manager, just days after his official appointment. The Spaniard took charge earlier this week following the club's decision to part ways with Arne Slot.
Liverpool's fifth-place finish represented a stark decline from its title-winning campaign the previous season, with the club widely expected to strengthen its squad in the summer transfer window.
Slot had already begun laying the groundwork for the window prior to his departure, with Iraola now assuming responsibility ahead of his first season on Merseyside. Though only three days into the role, the 43-year-old must already contend with a significant transfer development concerning one of his players.
Rio Ngumoha's stance
The Reds have been dealt a blow after Bayern Munich identified Rio Ngumoha as a summer target following his breakthrough campaign at Anfield. According to The Athletic, the 17-year-old has been earmarked as the ideal addition to the Bundesliga giants' formidable forward line, which includes former Liverpool star Luis Diaz, reports the Mirror.
The same outlet reports that no formal contact has yet been made between the two clubs, though Ngumoha is understood to be aware of Bayern's interest. While supporters may have concerns over the German champions attempting to lure away one of Europe's most exciting young talents, they may take some comfort from the youngster's previous remarks about Liverpool.
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The player has already left no doubt about his feelings towards Liverpool. After netting the opener in the Reds' 2-0 victory over Fulham in April, he told Sky Sports: "Liverpool, for me, is the biggest club in the world.
"To start so young and the manager having belief in me and all the players, it's great. So, I've got to keep working hard and keep pushing on and just go again." The youngster may well be thriving under Iraola, whose high-tempo style of play could suit Ngumoha perfectly.
$67M release clause consideration
Bringing in a winger ranks amongst Liverpool's chief priorities this summer following Mohamed Salah's departure. Yan Diomande has been the standout target for the Reds, though they may well look in a different direction when it comes to filling the void left by the Egyptian icon.
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Francisco Trincao
Liverpool could turn its attention to Sporting forward Francisco Trincao this summer
According to reports from Portuguese outlet Record, the Premier League club is "closest" to landing Sporting CP star Francisco Trincao by activating his $67 million (£50M) release clause this summer. The publication claims the club must offload players before strengthening its squad. The 26-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Wolves, yet managed only two goals in 28 league outings.
Since joining the Portuguese giants in 2023, after spending the previous season there on loan, he has accumulated 47 goals and 51 assists in 208 appearances and earned a place in Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad this month.