Forget Rio Ngumoha: Arne Slot Has Another Liverpool Youngster Ready to Replace First-Team Regular - Opinion

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a squad reshuffle after winger Rio Ngumoha's departure, with midfielder Curtis Jones emerging as the next likely exit. Rather than chasing the departed Ngumoha, Slot should promote promising academy star Trey Nyoni to fill the void left by Jones.

Curtis Jones' Uncertain Future

Jones, a homegrown talent, has struggled for consistent starts under Slot. His last Premier League start came against Burnley on January 17, 2026, and he was omitted entirely from the bench in the crucial Arsenal clash shortly after. Slot's reluctance to trust him in high-stakes games signals a lack of faith, coinciding with Liverpool's form dip post-December surge.[3]

Contract negotiations stall as Jones' 2022 extension nears its end, reflecting his squad-player status under Jürgen Klopp. Tottenham and Inter Milan showed January interest—Spurs for a permanent deal, Inter for a loan-to-buy—but sporting director Richard Hughes rebuffed them to avoid weakening the squad. Now, with just one year left, a sale seems inevitable, potentially to Premier League rivals seeking a reliable playmaker.[3]

Trey Nyoni: The Ready Replacement

Enter 18-year-old Trey Nyoni, Liverpool's latest academy gem. Nyoni has dazzled in U21s and cup ties, showcasing vision, dribbling, and work rate akin to Jones at his best but with greater consistency. Recent training clips highlight his seamless integration into Slot's high-pressing system, impressing senior staff.

Unlike Ngumoha, whose Chelsea move was long-rumored, Nyoni is fully committed to Liverpool. Slot's youth integration philosophy—evident in recent cameos—positions Nyoni for rotation minutes initially, building to starts amid fixture congestion. Promoting him saves transfer funds, boosts morale, and aligns with Liverpool's self-sufficiency ethos.

Why Now?

Jones craves regular play elsewhere, Slot demands proven big-game performers, and Nyoni offers fresh legs without adaptation risks. This swap sustains squad depth while rewarding academy investment. Opinion: Slot must act decisively—Nyoni isn't just a prospect; he's the future.[1]

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