Chelsea ‘Seething’ at Liverpool over recent signing as compensation sought – report
Liverpool will face a tribunal to determine the compensation to be paid for signing Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail.
The news outlet reported on Monday [4 November] that Chelsea are furious “seething” the 16-year-old packed his bags for Merseyside in September and are seeking a payout for the highly-rated youngster.
Ngumoha was regarded as one of the brightest talents at the Cobham Academy and Chelsea believe the club has lost a generational talent to the Reds.
Liverpool will pay a tribunal fee to Chelsea for Rio Ngumoha
It is not unusual for Liverpool to pay a tribunal fee for signing Ngumoha, as is always the case when a side poaches a youth talent, but how much Chelsea deems suitable for the youngster could prolong the process.
The signing has already caused bad blood between the sides, with Reds scouts denied access to academy matches in West London, albeit the clubs have since worked on resolving the matter between themselves.
However, had Todd Boehly focused his attention on developing the existing homegrown talent in his academy rather than spending millions on young talent from across the world, perhaps Ngumoha wouldn’t have felt his future is better served at the AXA Training Centre.
Ngumoha was named Player f the Tournament for Chelsea Under-16s when the side was crowned national champions last season, showing form worthy of being the focal point of the academy, but he was ultimately neglected by the ownership.
Since arriving on Merseyside he has been fast-tracked to the Under-21s side and has been integrated into Barry Lewtas’ long-term plans. Liverpool have delivered on the assurances promised to the midfielder, whereas Chelsea continue to throw their toys out of the pram.
The fee the Reds pay will be nothing compared to the player Ngumoha could become. The sooner this matter is resolved, the sooner all parties can move on and the youngster can focus on his football and continuing his rise through the ranks.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds eye Premier League duo as Mohamed Salah’s succession plan is underway.
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