LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Rio Ngumoha is yet to agree terms on a new contract with Liverpool, but there is no indication at all that the winger will move despite interest from Arsenal.
Ngumoha is considered a regular option for Andoni Iraola this season and, despite being the youngest player in the squad, has already started three of Liverpool’s six games so far.
The winger was expected to sign a new five-year contract around his 18th birthday at the end of August, but it appears as though negotiations are still ongoing.
According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein and transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, speaking on YouTube, there is no agreement as it stands.
Ngumoha ‘not unhappy’; Liverpool have no intention to sell
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)
Instead both Liverpool and Ngumoha are working towards a resolution, with a clear plan for his development under Iraola and a significant wage increase under consideration.
Ornstein reports that “there is no suggestion he’s unhappy,” though both he and Romano acknowledge interest from Arsenal.
But as Ornstein adds: “They’re allowed to like him; that’s their prerogative. It doesn’t mean Liverpool are going to sell him.”
Arsenal are expected to strengthen further in their attack in the future having seen Gabriel Martinelli leave for Al-Hilal with no replacement brought in.
Why hasn’t Rio Ngumoha signed a new contract yet?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The understanding was that a framework for an extended deal was already put in place when Ngumoha put pen to paper on his first professional contract a year ago.
His current terms run to 2028 as that was the maximum length permitted, but Liverpool can now tie their No. 76 down for a considerably longer period – expected to be to 2031.
But Ngumoha’s trajectory since signing that contract may have shifted the goalposts when negotiating an improved deal.
Iraola views the teenager as one of his primary options out wide along with Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz, while he is in contention to join Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this season.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is only normal, therefore, that talks will be required to ensure Ngumoha commits to a contract recognising not only his current standing but also his potential.
Liverpool have high hopes for the youngster they signed from Chelsea in 2024 and he could be a staple of their attack for at least a decade if all parties remain happy and successful.
There is no agitation from either side at this stage and that should be reflected among fans who have already seen the club convince next-in-line Josh Abe that his long-term future lies on Merseyside.
Abe, 16, signed a scholarship deal in July, along with reaching an agreement in principle over a first pro contract amid offers of up to £50,000 a week from rival clubs.
Valencia, Spain. 6th Sep, 2026. Harvey Elliott (Valencia) Football/Soccer : Spanish “LaLiga EA Sports” match between Valencia CF – FC Barcelona at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain . Credit: Mutsu Kawamori/AFLO/Alamy Live News
Valencia, Spain. 6th Sep, 2026. Harvey Elliott (Valencia) Football/Soccer : Spanish “LaLiga EA Sports” match between Valencia CF – FC Barcelona at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain . Credit: Mutsu Kawamori/AFLO/Alamy Live News
Football – Football League Cup – 3rd Round – Liverpool FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai in the rain during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Football League Cup – 3rd Round – Liverpool FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Tottenham Hotspur's Andy Robertson waves to the Liverpool supporters after the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. The game ended 3-1 with Liverpool progressing the 4th Round. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)