LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Rio Ngumoha could be viewed as a solution in a new role under Andoni Iraola, with a position change “floated internally” after his first-team breakthrough.
Ngumoha played almost exclusively on the left wing as he broke through into Liverpool’s first team last season, but he could now be used in multiple roles.
The Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst reports that the prospect of him switching to the right wing has been “floated internally” as Mo Salah departs.
It comes with Liverpool having yet to sign a replacement for Salah, with £34.5 million arrival Victor Munoz another who is a natural on the left.
England's Rio Ngumoha during the international friendly match at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Picture date: Saturday June 6, 2026.
England's Rio Ngumoha during the international friendly match at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Picture date: Saturday June 6, 2026.
Ngumoha made his England debut on the right-hand side and earned the Man of the Match award for his display in last month’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand.
He has previously played the role for England U19s, too, with it not exactly alien to a player who is at his best when taking on his full-back and using his stronger right foot.
Speaking after that victory over New Zealand as part of England’s Extra Time series, Ngumoha credited right-back Reece James for helping him adjust to the role.
“He was just guiding me through the game, helping me,” the teenager explained.
“Right wing, I’ve played there a couple of times [for Liverpool] but it’s not my natural position. I can obviously play there.
“But he was just helping me, telling me to ‘keep going, every single time there’s an opportunity just take on the man, if not I’m always here to support’.”
Ngumoha will be among the first to report to the AXA Training Centre for the start of pre-season, with Liverpool then heading on tour to the United States for friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds.
Who are Liverpool’s other right winger options?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Jeremie Frimpong on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Jeremie Frimpong on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Iraola has Jeremie Frimpong, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai and 15-year-old Josh Abe as other options on the right, but he could opt for his No. 73.
The likelihood is that Ngumoha’s long-term future will be on the left wing, but adding that versatility to his game will only benefit him as he develops.
Liverpool are still expected to sign another winger following Salah’s exit, though reports in France claim Paris Saint-Germain will demand a British record fee for Bradley Barcola.
Barcola, who is another natural left-sider, is now being valued at €150 million (£127.8m), which would eclipse the £125 million paid to sign Alexander Isak.
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Brentford FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah on his final match for the club during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, PSG won 4-1 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)