One of the most exciting elements of any pre-season at Liverpool is seeing young talent from within the academy get a chance in the first team.

The Reds have had plenty of success promoting from the youth teams in recent years and although that could be different in 2025, some youngsters will still be given a run out.

Unlike last season, Arne Slot currently has almost a full Liverpool squad to pick from as the pre-season friendlies begin.

As a result, we may see fewer academy starlets than usual given minutes on the pitch alongside the senior regulars.

Liverpool enter battle with ‘ten Premier League clubs’ to sign Italian starlet	Andy Robertson pays tribute to Diogo Jota with touching hand-written message	New Hugo Ekitike transfer hint emerges as Liverpool could soon make move

Nevertheless, there are still several players in the Liverpool academy who are expected to make up part of Slot’s squad.

One of them is former Chelsea prospect Rio Ngumoha.

And according to journalist David Lynch, the 16-year-old is heading for a new contract this summer.

Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Ever since his controversial arrival from Chelsea last summer, Ngumoha has been winning fans at Liverpool.

The teenager sparkled on his first team debut in January, and looks like a player who could one day break into the first team on a full-time basis.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Friday, Lynch reiterates that that is the expectation for Ngumoha, confirming that the youngster will also be handed a new contract on his 17th birthday in August.

“It’s clear he’s being groomed for a bigger role going forward and these [pre-season] games are chances for him to impress,” says the journalist.

READ MORE: Whether Luis Diaz is likely to leave Liverpool after handing in transfer request

“He won’t expect to make 20, 25 appearances this season, but can he build on what he did last season?

“He’s turning 17 soon, he’s coming into that age bracket.

That is coming up and it’s my understanding that that is very, very likely to be announced soon.”

Like with any young player, they can have all the talent in the world but if the opportunities are not there, they will never develop.

For Ngumoha, he left Chelsea for Liverpool having not been able to see that pathway at Stamford Bridge.

Having made his Reds debut at 16, his move has been justified so far.

However, he will surely be wanting a little more next season.

And that is why Ngumoha will be watching the current situation of Luis Diaz with great interest.

Liverpool have denied an offer has been made for Diaz this week, but Bayern Munich and Barcelona are clearly pushing to pluck the Colombian away from Anfield.

If they can do that, Ngumoha’s chances of making an impact next season will improve immeasurably.
For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.