Rio Ngumoha has officially confirmed his transfer from Chelsea to Liverpool, following the Premier League’s approval of the deal.
The 16-year-old talent will join Liverpool’s under-18 squad for the 2024-25 season.
Liverpool’s scouts have closely monitored the England youth international for some time.
In July, the club secured a scholarship deal for Ngumoha to make the move to Anfield.
Ngumoha announced his departure from Chelsea via Instagram: “Thank you for everything Chelsea Academy,” wrote Ngumoha, who trained with the club’s first team earlier this year.
Having turned down Chelsea’s scholarship offer, Ngumoha’s move to Liverpool will trigger a compensation fee for the London club.
The 16-year-old is expected to join Liverpool’s Under-18s setup under Marc Bridge-Wilkinson for the upcoming season, with the possibility of being promoted to the U21s later.
Liverpool are thrilled to have secured Ngumoha, who has impressed scouts with his skillful play.
After being swayed by Liverpool’s compelling pitch, Ngumoha has made the switch to Merseyside.
Chelsea are reportedly displeased with Ngumoha’s departure for what is perceived to be a nominal fee.
However, claims that Liverpool broke their wage structure to sign the winger have been denied.
Ngumoha’s signing aligns with the policies set by long-serving Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe, and he will join the club on a scholarship wage.
Liverpool’s recent success in integrating academy players into the first team has been a significant factor in Ngumoha’s decision.
The 2024 Carabao Cup final exemplifies this approach, as Liverpool triumphed 1-0 over Chelsea with Virgil van Dijk scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
Notably, Liverpool concluded the match with James McConnell, Bobby Clark, and Jayden Danns all on the pitch, and Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Harvey Elliott also featured – players who developed through Liverpool’s youth system.
Since the end of 2020, following the UK’s departure from the EU, Liverpool have intensified their efforts to recruit top young talents from across the country, in response to increased difficulties in signing players from the continent.
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