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Rio Ngumoha## Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips thinks Liverpool should prioritize giving Rio Ngumoha minutes ahead of the 2028 Euros instead of splurging $100 million on a new winger
16:49, 27 Jul 2026
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha played against Bradley Barcola's PSG in the Champions League this year(Image: Getty Images)
Regardless of Liverpool's summer transfer activity, 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha is set to see a sharp increase in playing time for the Reds.
Following Mohamed Salah's departure, Liverpool's spotty depth on the wings — Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and new signing Victor Munoz — has led new manager Andoni Iraola to say his side "must sign a winger" at a recent press conference.
The rumored target is PSG's Bradley Barcola, and Liverpool is expected to make a first offer soon. Reports suggest the Ligue 1 side could demand €130 euros ($147 million) from the Reds.
Shaun Wright-Phillips was once the Premier League's hot young prospect, shining in an unheralded Manchester City side around the turn of the century before earning call-ups to the England national team and a big-money move to Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively with Liverpool.com, Wright-Phillips cautioned against Liverpool signing "a hundred million on a winger" and urged the side instead to feature Ngomoha.
“Do you need to [sign a big name] when you've got Rio Ngumoha there [to replace Mohamed Salah]? I think maybe this might be the time to just let him go and play," Wright-Phillips told Liverpool.com on behalf of Jackpot City Casino.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Shaun Wright-Phillips earned 36 caps for the England national team(Image: Getty Images)
"You don't need to go out and spend a hundred million on a winger when you don't know how they'll adapt....It's the Premier League, you might be able to do it elsewhere, but can you replicate that here? It's hard to say. So why hinder the growth of Rio if you've got time now to play him?"
Nguomoha played just over 900 minutes for the Liverpool first team last year, scoring twice while earning five Premier League starts.
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha made his senior debut for England in June(Image: Getty Images)
Barcola is only 23 and has scored 34 goals and tallied 24 assists over the last two years with PSG, appearing in both Champions League finals (two PSG victories).
Personal terms for Barcola are not considered a problem for the Reds. For the sum of money Liverpool would pay, the Frenchman would certainly demand starting minutes, a role he isn't guaranteed on a loaded PSG team.
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Wright-Phillips thinks Liverpool's wing signing should perhaps be a little more low-profile to allow Ngomoha to get minutes. He said game time is essential for the 17-year-old, especially ahead of the 2028 Euros, where he may be a contender to start. Ngomoha made his debut for the Three Lions in a June friendly against New Zealand.
“I can imagine they will sign somebody, but perhaps not a massive name when there's no need," Wright-Phillips said. "They have the quality already. Rio showed it in the practice matches for England before the World Cup; he was probably our best winger through those matches."
“For Euro 2028, 100%. If he gets the game time he's shown he deserves, I think he would have a fair crack at featuring in that tournament."
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