Liverpool‘s acquisition of Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea’s academy led to a ban from the London club.
Rio Ngumoha, a rising 16-year-old talent, is turning heads after his goal secured a dramatic win for Liverpool against Newcastle. This young player was also the reason Liverpool’s scouting team faced a ban from Chelsea’s training ground. Ngumoha spent his formative years at Chelsea from the age of 8 before making the switch to Liverpool in the summer of 2024.
Chelsea legend John Terry publicly criticized Liverpool’s move for Ngumoha a year ago, considering him one of the brightest prospects he’d seen at Cobham. According to Footem.in, Chelsea’s old scouting department was reportedly so angered that they revoked the credentials of scouts associated with Anfield to prevent further talent being “poached.”
Chelsea is aware of the potential they lost. Rio Ngumoha’s talent prompted Liverpool to break their £50,000-a-year wage cap for youth players.
Ngumoha has yet to sign a professional contract, which is expected to happen when he turns 17 shortly. After his recent performance, Ngumoha’s representatives may soon negotiate a significant increase in his projected salary for a young player.
The only consolation for Chelsea is that they will receive compensation. The final fee will be determined by a football tribunal. Given Liverpool’s previous £4.3 million payment to Fulham for Harvey Elliott in a similar situation four years ago, Chelsea will likely demand a substantial fee, even if it’s a fraction of his future worth.
Ngumoha first grabbed attention in the summer of 2024, with standout performances in pre-season friendlies. In a match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield, the young talent needed just 5 minutes to score a beautiful goal and assist Darwin Nunez, helping Liverpool to a 4-1 victory. Earlier, during the Asian tour, Ngumoha also impressed with a goal against AC Milan and an assist against Yokohama F. Marinos.