Liverpool set to sign Nigerian-born starlet on a scholarship deal
Liverpool are set to complete the signing of 15-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea on a scholarship deal, subject to Premier League approval.
Per The Athletic, Ngumoha, who is eligible to play for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, has chosen to move to Merseyside despite Chelsea’s efforts to retain him and interest from other European clubs.
Ngumoha’s decision to join Liverpool is influenced by the club’s strong track record of promoting young talents to the first team. Recent examples include Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Jayden Danns. Liverpool’s commitment to developing youth players contrasts with Chelsea’s approach, which has faced criticism for prioritizing external recruitment over internal promotion.
During his time at Chelsea, Ngumoha showcased his exceptional talent by playing under Nigerian coach Hassan Sulaimon for the U18s while still a schoolboy. He also trained with Chelsea’s first team. His move to Liverpool will initially see him join the U18 squad, with aspirations of breaking into the first team in the future.
This transfer highlights the differing philosophies between the two clubs regarding youth development. Chelsea’s recent departures of promising talents like Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, and Omari Hutchison, who have excelled elsewhere after limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, underline the challenges within their system.
Ngumoha’s move to Liverpool is expected to further bolster their youth setup and potentially provide another exciting prospect for the first team in the years to come.
