Rio Ngumoha will turn 18 next month, at which point he can be expected to sign a long-term contract with Liverpool ahead of playing more regularly at Anfield next season
21:32, 04 Jul 2026
Rio Ngumoha during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Brentford.
Rio Ngumoha during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Brentford.(Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's wanting to test the waters when it came to Rio Ngumoha earlier this summer came as a surprise, with there being no suggestion that Liverpool would ever consider letting him leave.
Ngumoha had a breakthrough season at Anfield under Arne Slot, though his minutes were carefully managed. And his role is only going to grow as he gets older, with Andoni Iraola the man tasked with getting the most out of him now.
The 17-year-old played around 1000 minutes last term and he did well enough to secure a regular place either in the team or off the bench. Thomas Tuchel even took him to the US as part of England's preparations for the World Cup.
As a result of the rules around contracts for young players, however, Ngumoha is yet to be tied down for the long-term. But there is no reason to panic.
After a player turns 18, clubs can then offer deals in line with senior counterparts. Before that point, a maximum of three-year contracts can be signed.
Last September, for instance, Ngumoha penned a contract until 2028. That was his first professional deal. When he turns 18 next month, he will be able to agree another new extension.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 06: Rio Ngumoha #31 of England makes his way out prior to the start of the second-half of the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha was part of England's squad ahead of the World Cup but wasn't selected for the tournament(Image: Getty Images)
Capable of playing on the left and the right of the Liverpool attack, Ngumoha could play substantially more next season compared to the last, even though the Reds will continue to monitor him. Overplaying him, or putting too much pressure on, would be unwise.
"Leave him alone and let him develop," Reds legend John Barnes said when chatter around Ngumoha going to the World Cup with England began near the end of the season.
"Theo Walcott went to the World Cup at 16, and if you want him to progress, you can't overemphasize his importance.
"Ngumoha is not even playing for Liverpool. He's a sub for Liverpool, so until he gets into the team consistently and plays well, don't put the pressure on him.
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"That's why I'm glad he didn't play a lot last year in a Liverpool team that was struggling, because if they're not doing well and he suffers because of confidence, it could affect him.
"Let him develop slowly. So the fact that he's not in Liverpool's team, and I hope Arsenal do the same with Max Dowman, just leave them alone. If you're not playing for Arsenal or Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?"
Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha is going to be a fascinating player under Iraola. The former Bournemouth boss has a reputation for getting the most out of wide players, and the teenager was naturally going to develop anyway.
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At Liverpool, there is a clear pathway for him to develop and take the next steps, but patience will also be required.