Image Credits: Imago Images
Rio Ngumoha has been a headline in the news recently, and for more than one reason.
Reliable reports earlier this month asserted that Bayern Munich, had identified the 17-year-old as their priority left-wing target, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg later revealing that weeks of talks had even produced a verbal agreement with the player’s camp.
Liverpool, however, shut the door firmly and immediately, making it clear to Vincent Kompany’s side that Ngumoha was not for sale at any price – and that was the end of it.
While that noise reached fever pitch, Ngumoha had been busy making headlines for entirely different reasons.
The Liverpool winger was one of four uncapped young players invited by Thomas Tuchel to join England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida, offering extra numbers as the Three Lions prepared for the tournament.
He did far more than just fill a training spot. Coming off the bench against New Zealand, Ngumoha became the fifth-youngest player ever to represent the senior England team and walked away with the Player of the Match award in a 1-0 win.
When the camp concluded on June 12, England confirmed he and the other young additions had officially departed, with the senior squad heading to their World Cup base in Kansas City.
However, fresh reports have emerged that Bayern were not the only Bundesliga club with eyes on the Reds winger. Sky Germany journalist Philipp Hinze has revealed that RB Leipzig also registered an interest in Ngumoha weeks ago — though it quickly became clear that a deal was a non-starter.
Hinze reported on X:
“In addition to FC Bayern, RB Leipzig also expressed interest in Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha weeks ago. It quickly became clear that the 17-year-old is not feasible for Leipzig”
“Package, ambitions, competition… Exciting profile for RB, but currently not doable, unless a completely unforeseen door opens during the transfer period. Player currently (far) out of Leipzig’s reach.”
Despite featuring in the Florida camp and making his debut, FIFA regulations prevent him from being added to England’s official tournament squad, even in a genuine injury emergency.
Because he was omitted from the original provisional 55-man list, he is legally ineligible regardless of circumstance.
🔴 Neben dem FC Bayern bekundete auch RB Leipzig vor Wochen Interesse an Liverpools Rio Ngumoha. Es zeichnete sich dann schnell ab, dass der 17-Jährige für Leipzig nicht realisierbar ist. Paket, Ambitionen, Konkurrenz… Spannendes Profil für RB, aber derzeit nicht machbar, sofern… pic.twitter.com/hSTqMcgkyT
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) June 18, 2026