Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha signs first professional contract in major boost for Arne Slot

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Sport | Football

The teenager holds the record of Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer following his dramatic winner against Newcastle earlier in the season

Here to stay: Rio Ngumoha

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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 minute ago

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Liverpool have officially confirmed that Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract at Anfield.

Ngumoha, who arrived at the club in September 2024 having left Chelsea, was handed his senior debut by Arne Slot in Liverpool’s FA Cup third round tie against Accrington Stanley last season.

The teenager has since made four further senior appearances for the Reds, most recently starting the Carabao Cup third round win over Southampton on Tuesday night.

Ngumoha’s highlight thus far is his 100th minute winning goal against Newcastle last month, marking his Premier League debut in style and making history in the process.

Aged 16 years and 361 days at the time of his goal at St James’ Park, the effort meant he became Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer.

The record was previously held by Ben Woodburn, who was on the scoresheet against Leeds in November 2016 aged 17 years and 45 days.

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Having turned 17, Ngumoha has now officially signed professional terms with the current Premier League leaders and the announcement is sure to please Slot.

Speaking about the youngster’s talent after the goal against Newcastle, Slot said: “He’s a player that can finish really well for his age.

“How firm his shot was, you don’t see this often for a 16-year-old.

“That’s what I like, because the first ball he got he wasn’t afraid.

He immediately took someone on.

“When the second player came, he got across him, and for him to score that goal is not completely a coincidence because for his age he is an amazing finisher.”

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Rio Ngumoha

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Arne Slot

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