Liverpool’s desire to keep the pathway clear for Rio Ngumoha in the first team has seen them prefer to overlook possible targets in the transfer window.
Ngumoha has one senior game for Liverpool so far and his 17th birthday later this week is to prompt his first professional contract, which coincides with being a first-team option.
The teenager impressed throughout pre-season, notably with his goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Club, and has been earmarked for a bigger role this season.
Arne Slot knows Liverpool “have to take care” with Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni and help them adjust to the intensity of senior football, but Liverpool have been conscious not to block their pathway.
As per The *Times*‘ Paul Joyce, Liverpool “have said they would rather create a pathway” for Ngumoha “than sign Bradley Barcola or Malick Fofana.”
The pair are 22 and 20 years of age, respectively, and pursuing either would have restricted the chances afforded to Ngumoha in the forward line, and not just in the short term.
It speaks to the regard in which the 16-year-old is held, with Liverpool linked to PSG’s Barcola and Lyon’s Fofana throughout a statement summer that has developed the squad in Slot’s image.
Liverpool are investing in Ngumoha and their own development capabilities rather than getting the chequebook out, although they have yet to settle on a fee with Chelsea for the talented teenager.
If the two clubs cannot agree on a compensation fee, it will be decided at tribunal – as was the case when Liverpool signed Harvey Elliott from Fulham as a 16-year-old.
Ngumoha will be managed accordingly, as with any expectations placed upon him, but he showed in pre-season that he can handle the spotlight.
Slot, meanwhile, has played down the need for Liverpool to add to their forward line before the September 1 deadline, but Alexander Isak remains on strike as he seeks a move to Anfield.