Chelsea are locked in a financial dispute with Liverpool FC over the departure of young talent Rio Ngumoha to the Reds, with the Premier League now stepping in as the 16-year-old continues to shine, adding insult to injury for the Blues.
Ngumoha made history on Monday night when he became the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League when he bagged a 100th minute-winner against Newcastle. The youngster came off the bench late in the game and curled an impressive finish into the far corner to clinch all three points for his side.
Last year, Ngumoha left Chelsea for Anfield in a move that sparked controversy, with the west London club feeling they had lost a once-in-a-generation talent - and Ngumoha is already proving them right.
The Daily Mail has reported that a tribunal was supposed to decide on a fee for the transfer, but nearly a year after the move, the Premier League has yet to make a decision. However, Chelsea believe that Ngumoha's outstanding performance on Monday will strengthen their case for compensation.
This situation echoes a precedent set years ago when Liverpool paid around £4.3million to Fulham for Harvey Elliott, who has since become a first-team star. This case also went to a tribunal.
Liverpool's successful pursuit of Ngumoha did satisfy the Premier League's five-step process, but that offered little comfort to those at Stamford Bridge and the animosity has persisted. The Blues were so incensed that it's understood they barred Liverpool's youth scouts from attending academy fixtures. Ngumoha was crowned player of the tournament when Chelsea's Under-16s lifted the national title in 2023, which undoubtedly attracted the attention of numerous elite clubs, with Liverpool now reaping the rewards.
Arne Slot is fully aware of the talent his teenager possesses and made it evident he was destined for first-team involvement this campaign. Following Monday's magical moment, the Liverpool manager remarked: "It's, of course, special for him to score a goal in a moment like this."