Why Liverpool has to wait to tie Rio Ngumoha down on long-term contract
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Rio Ngumoha will turn 18 next month, at which point he can be expected to sign a long-term contract with Liverpool ahead of playing more regularly at Anfield next seasonRio Ngumoha during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Brentford.(Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)Bayern Munich's wanting to test the waters when it came to Rio Ngumoha earlier this summer came as a surprise, with there being no suggestion that Liverpool would ever consider letting him leave.Ngumoha had a breakthrough season at Anfield under Arne Slot, though his minutes were carefully managed. When he turns 18 next month, he will be able to agree another new extension.Rio Ngumoha was part of England's squad ahead of the World Cup but wasn't selected for the tournament(Image: Getty Images)Capable of playing on the left and the right of the Liverpool attack, Ngumoha could play substantially more next season compared to the last, even though the Reds will continue to monitor him.
Overplaying him, or putting too much pressure on, would be unwise."Leave him alone and let him develop," Reds legend John Barnes said when chatter around Ngumoha going to the World Cup with England began near the end of the season."Theo Walcott went to the World Cup at 16, and if you want him to progress, you can't overemphasize his importance."Ngumoha is not even playing for Liverpool. He's a sub for Liverpool, so until he gets into the team consistently and plays well, don't put the pressure on him.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."That's why I'm glad he didn't play a lot last year in a Liverpool team that was struggling, because if they're not doing well and he suffers because of confidence, it could affect him."Let him develop slowly. If you're not playing for Arsenal or Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?"Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha is going to be a fascinating player under Iraola.