Liverpool made rare exception with Rio Ngumoha that is already paying off

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Liverpool went to great lengths to sign Rio Ngumoha(Image: Offside via Getty Images)

It's no surprise Liverpool went all out to secure Rio Ngumoha's signature.

The 16-year-old made headlines when he netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner on his Premier League debut against Newcastle on Monday – a goal that made him Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer.

Ngumoha, who turns 17 this Friday, was once considered Chelsea's brightest academy talent.



Yet Liverpool swooped in, prising him away from Stamford Bridge with shrewd planning and a bold offer.

Normally, Liverpool keep academy wages tightly controlled, but in 2024 they bent the rules to land Ngumoha.

Officially, he earns £1,200 a month under a scholar's contract, but performance-related bonuses mean his pay can rise significantly.

Such sweeteners are rarely provided at youth level, according to ESPN, which shows how highly Liverpool value him and how determined they were to swoop in and nab the Chelsea prodigy.

The London-born winger joined the Blues' youth system in 2016 and was tipped for first-team football.

Former skipper John Terry even praised him online as "a top, top player" once his transfer to Anfield became public.

Rio Ngumoha became Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer on Monday(Image: (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images))

Despite Chelsea's efforts to keep him, Liverpool's aggressive proposal convinced him to move north.

His strike against Newcastle added to an earlier wonder-goal in pre-season against Athletic Club, which first put him in contention for senior minutes.

With Liverpool's heavy summer recruitment, especially in attack, his emergence adds an intriguing subplot.

He isn't a traditional striker, but thrives off the left flank, offering Arne Slot both finishing quality and attacking depth.

Ngumoha came off the bench to score Liverpool's winner in the 10th minute of added-on time(Image: PA)

His breakthrough also adds an extra layer to Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak.

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Should the Swedish forward move to Anfield, Ngumoha's first team opportunities are likely to shrink, particularly with new signing Hugo Ekitike already in excellent form and unlikely to be dropped.

A clear path to the first team was a major factor in Ngumoha's decision to leave Chelsea, so Liverpool must balance their long-term squad-building plans with his immediate development.

It may still be early for him to demand regular minutes – but as Wayne Rooney – who, like Ngumoha, scored a stunning debut goal across town at Everton aged 16 – demonstrated: when you're ready, you're ready.