Rio Ngumoha contract details revealed as young gem pens first professional terms
Rio Ngumoha could be handed his first competitive start of the season for Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Liverpool will play Southampton in the Carabao Cup, as Arne Slot looks to continue his side’s perfect start to the season.
Ngumoha is expected to start for Liverpool against Southampton, with the youngster impressing in his appearances off the bench.
The visitors sit 19th in the Championship after six games played, in what has been a difficult start to life under new manager Will Still.
Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah will be dropped against Southampton, with Ngumoha expected to replace him on the right.
Rio Ngumoha signs professional Liverpool contract
Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest scorer ever when he netted against Newcastle United in August.
The goal, which was a winner for the Reds in the 10th minute of stoppage time at St James’ Park, was a brilliantly struck effort which left Nick Pope with no chance.
The confidence shown in such a crucial moment is just one of the reasons there is so much excitement surrounding the teenager at Anfield.
| Youngest Liverpool players ever | Age at debut |
| Jerome Sinclair | 16 years 6 days |
| Rio Ngumoha | 16 years 4 months 13 days |
| Harvey Elliott | 16 years 5 months 21 days |
| Trey Nyoni | 16 years 7 months 29 days |
| Jack Robinson | 16 years 8 months 7 days |
That excitement was further underlined when Slot chose to select the youngster in his Champions League squad over seasoned professional Federico Chiesa.
To that extent, Liverpool will be delighted that Ngumoha is now tied down to professional terms at Anfield.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that the winger put pen to paper upon turning 17, with some insisting that the deal is worth just £1,000 a week amid the Reds’ wage policy.
Liverpool will bed Rio Ngumoha in slowly
Such is the way football is reported on in the current day, it can be easy for young players to be overwhelmed with massive expectations at what is arguably the most important part of their careers.
The development period a player undertakes following their adaptation to first-team football will prove crucial to the way they progress over the following years, and now, players are facing that step at a younger age than ever.
Liverpool’s task will be to ensure Ngumoha is protected during this time, and, despite the teenager’s wishes, that may mean the winger is introduced slowly.
A first start against Southampton does look to be a perfect opportunity for the England youth international to take the next step, however, with Anfield ready to induct their latest star.
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