Rio Ngumoha is set to sign a new long-term contract with Liverpool, with the deal expected to be finalised as early as this week.
The 16-year-old became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer on Monday night when he struck a dramatic late winner against Newcastle United.
Despite that historic moment, Ngumoha is still registered only as a scholar.
He entered the second year of those terms this summer, having joined the Reds from Chelsea in 2023, but that status is about to change.
Liverpool are preparing to hand Ngumoha his first professional contract once he turns 17 on Friday.
Under FA rules, players are only eligible to sign professional terms from that age.
His first deal is expected to run until 2028, the maximum three-year length permitted for an initial professional contract.
The club, however, already view Ngumoha as a key long-term asset and will look to secure an extended agreement in the future.
Liverpool’s faith in the winger has shaped their transfer strategy.
Following Luis Díaz’s £65million move to Bayern Munich, the club opted against signing a direct replacement.
Instead, Cody Gakpo has remained first-choice on the left, with manager Arne Slot considering Ngumoha and Florian Wirtz as viable options in the role.
Ngumoha vindicated that trust on his Premier League debut, delivering a composed finish that secured three vital points at St James’ Park.
His talent and ambition have long been clear – the teenager has openly spoken about his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or – but within the club there is confidence that he is fully focused on his development at Anfield.
That determination shone through in his post-match interview with All Red Video, where he expressed both his excitement at making history and his commitment to Liverpool’s future.
“I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play with the older players,” Ngumoha said.
“I want to prove a point that I can play with not just people my age but many ages above.
“But there are people at the club who are always helping me and I’m always learning and improving, so I can’t complain.”
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