Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has agreed his maiden professional contract with the Premier League title holders. The 17-year-old attacker made headlines in August when he came off the bench and struck a decisive goal in the 100th minute against Newcastle on his league debut.
While the club has not made public the contract’s duration, the agreement confirms his growing role in Arne Slot’s squad.
Journey from Chelsea to Anfield
Ngumoha joined Liverpool in September 2024 after leaving Chelsea’s youth system, where he was widely seen as the standout player of his age group.
Despite multiple lucrative offers and assurances from Chelsea, he opted for a move north, believing that Merseyside offered him clearer opportunities at senior level.
Since his arrival, he has already collected five first-team appearances across different competitions.
Early milestones at Liverpool
In January, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter when he lined up at 16 years and 135 days old in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington.
This month, he also made his first Champions League appearance, coming on during the home triumph against Atletico Madrid. His rapid progress has seen him included consistently in the senior set-up since pre-season, with Slot showing confidence in his potential.
Pre-season impressions
During the summer, Ngumoha was handed a starting role in a friendly against Athletic Club. Operating on the left side, he found the net inside two minutes before leaving to a warm ovation midway through the second half.
That display followed other encouraging outings, including an assist against AC Milan and a goal in a meeting with Yokohama F. Marinos on the club’s Asian tour.
Ngumoha has also represented England in the youth ranks. On 3 September, he featured for the under-19 national side for the first time, further underlining his rapid rise on both domestic and international stages.