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Liverpool supporters will be forgiven for greeting any contract news with trepidation after watching Trent Alexander-Arnold wind down his Anfield career before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

Worries have only deepened with Spanish outlets reporting Ibrahima Konate’s reluctance to extend his deal, with Real Madrid poised to sign the French centre-back on a free in 2026 if no agreement is reached.

Yet there is some positive news on the contracts front.

Highly-rated attacker Rio Ngumoha is set to put pen to paper on his first professional deal with Liverpool next month.

Ngumoha, born 29 August 2008, arrived from Chelsea’s academy last year and immediately showcased why the Blues felt aggrieved at his departure

Named Chelsea’s under-16 player of the year in 2023, he signed scholarship terms with Liverpool before turning 17, making him eligible for a professional contract.

Arne Slot rewarded Ngumoha’s rapid development with a senior start in the FA Cup third round against Accrington Stanley last season, making him Liverpool’s youngest ever FA Cup player at just 16 years and 135 days.

He logged 73 minutes on debut, impressing with his pace, dribbling and direct running in what Slot described as a “special day” for the teenager.

Reporter David Lynch has revealed that he expects the teenager to sign on the dotted line soon:

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

“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?

I expect he’ll sign a first professional contract.”

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

Last season Ngumoha balanced outings for the U18s, U19s and U21s, while regularly training with the senior squad.

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