Charlie Adam speaking on In The Mixer
Charlie Adam has nothing but positive things to say about Rio Ngumoha(Image: In The Mixer)
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Charlie Adam has heaped praise on Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha and hailed his "bargain" transfer fee. The Scot also spoke about the youngster attempting to replace Mohamed Salah on the Reds' right wing.
Although there have been a few bumps, Andoni Iraola's debut campaign in charge at Anfield is going swimmingly. And 18-year-old Ngumoha has been granted plenty of minutes.
Liverpool snapped up Ngumoha in 2024 when he left Chelsea's academy. Because he was 16, no standard transfer fee was agreed and the Premier League ratified the move, with a Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) tribunal ruling that the Reds pay an initial £2.8m in compensation, rising to £6.8m with add-ons.
Since then, Ngumoha has become an unearthed gem. Last season under Arne Slot, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring his first goal in August - a 100th-minute stoppage-time winner against Newcastle - and securing four starts and 15 appearances from the bench.
This term, he has made five top-flight outings and on Tuesday evening, played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 4-3 Champions League win against Villarreal. The teenager was a delight on the right and bagged two assists.
Now, Adam, who played 37 times for Liverpool during his short stint with the club, has spoken out about Ngumoha's compensation fee and the prospect of him being the star who can attempt to replace the departed Salah.
Rio Ngumoha left winger of Liverpool and England does passed during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF
The young Englishman was sensational against Villarreal(Image: Getty)
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Speaking on In The Mixer, Adam said: "We talk about not hyping him up, but why not? I look at that £6.8m or £7m now from Chelsea in terms of the transfer fee - it's a bargain, isn't it?
"He's a young kid that I've watched for a couple of years now. I feel he was better off the left, but now he's been able to get that position on the right-hand side… He'll never replace Mo Salah.
Rio Ngumoha left winger of Liverpool and England celebrates the victory after winning the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF
Adam reckons Ngumoha deserves the hype(Image: Getty)
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"Nobody will ever replace Mo Salah. I think that was probably the first half of the season here, where Liverpool think, 'What about Mo Salah?' But he's gone. You need to move on and you need to move on quickly. The boy has got talent. Ultimately, it's just about finding the right moment.
"We use young players like [Max] Dowman at Arsenal, Ngumoha, we have to use these young players at the right time and in the right moments. It was a special occasion [against Villarreal]."
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola, pictured on the club's tour of the US(Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor joined Adam in the studio and he reckons the teenager will only get better as he learns from each game he plays.
"Ngumoha has got a lot to learn," Agbonlahor said. "But when you break through at a young age, you learn from every game: 'Should I pass? Should I do a one-two? When is it time to take a player on?' He'll learn all that, every game."
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