Rio Ngumoha: How Liverpool plan to avoid another renewal drama as contract chatter begins
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Liverpool have faced an unexpected battle to keep Rio Ngumoha this summer after seeing interest arrive in him from Bayern Munich. Ngumoha was already well-known to be one of the biggest young stars in European football, but his reputation has been enhanced even further after a sparkling breakout campaign with the Reds.Though Liverpool clearly have no intention of selling Ngumoha, the attentions of Bayern mean that they are going to have to get busy on putting together a new contract for the 17-year-old.
Thankfully, two years out from his end date, the work is seemingly already beginning. Name the five further signings Liverpool need to make after Victor Munoz this summer 👇 The Reds could reportedly target two forwards, two midfielders and a versatile defender… Liverpool plan to extend Ngumoha’s contractContract renewals – or the lack of them – at Liverpool have become a source of great focus in the last few years, with Ibrahima Konate becoming the latest player to walk away for nothing.Liverpool have become embroiled in protracted talks far too often for supporters’ liking, and it is imperative that this situation is avoided for Ngumoha.As his contract is due to end in 2028, this summer is the perfect time to head off any suggestion of pressure in that department.READ MORE: Why signing Felix Nmecha would not improve Liverpool’s midfield as Reds ponder Dortmund raidPhoto by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty ImagesIf the season is allowed to begin, and Ngumoha goes into his final two years, there will certainly be some amount of concern that Liverpool may eventually lose, or have to sell, the former Chelsea prodigy.According to The Athletic, though, the Reds are already planning to ward off this danger, with an idea in place to hand Ngumoha a new contract once he turns 18 in August.The deal will presumably come with a big pay rise, and Liverpool will hope that this will be enough to ward off any unwelcome interest in the England international for the time being.A ‘bigger role’ under Andoni Iraola is also reportedly being planned, as Liverpool look to build Ngumoha up piece by piece.Given Liverpool’s recent history with regards to dropping the ball over contracts, worry will remain for fans until the ink is dry on a new agreement, but things are least actively moving, and though this topic should not be the number one priority of the summer, it should still feature towards the top of Liverpool’s lengthy to-do list.
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