LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Rio Ngumoha is set to officially sign a new five-year contract with Liverpool after his 18th birthday later this month, recognising his rise into the first-team setup.
Andoni Iraola is building around Ngumoha as a key part of his attacking plans, with the natural left winger challenged to prove himself on the right.
That versatility could be key to the teenager cementing himself as a first-choice starter under the new head coach, with Liverpool already assured of his commitment.
The Times‘ Paul Joyce reports that Ngumoha will be tied to a five-year contract after he turns 18 on August 29.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It was known that Liverpool had already agreed terms over a longer deal for their youngest-ever goalscorer, having laid down the framework when finalising his first professional terms last year.
Ngumoha was only able to sign a three-year contract at the time but will now put pen to paper on an extended deal to 2031.
Liverpool are likely to confirm the agreement around the end of the month, though a formal announcement could be delayed as was the case with his initial deal.
Along with an extension to his contract, Ngumoha will receive a significant wage increase to reflect his status as a first-team regular.
Where Rio Ngumoha fits into Andoni Iraola’s plans
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Rio Ngumoha as he is substituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Rio Ngumoha as he is substituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Last season – his first as a consistent part of the senior side – the former Chelsea youth made 29 appearances in all competitions, including nine starts, scoring against Newcastle and Fulham in the Premier League.
This time around he is likely to see a sizeable increase in his game time, with Iraola viewing him as a staple of his side on the left and right wings.
With Liverpool pushing to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, the expectation is that much of Ngumoha’s game time could instead come on the right, with the Frenchman poised to become first-choice left winger.
There is an argument that this will waste much of the youngster’s unpredictability in the short term, but he has already spoken of a desire to translate that to other roles.
“I think being unpredictable off both sides is key,” Ngumoha told LFCTV during pre-season.
“Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better.
“So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season.”
Liverpool are also hoping to bring in another winger, with PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye among their options, but there is no suggestion this would block Ngumoha’s pathway.
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NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Kieran Morrison during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v Como 1907
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)