Liverpool ready to sacrifice forward because of Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha swapped Chelsea’s academy for Liverpool in summer 2024. It was seen as a significant signing for the Reds’ newly installed sporting director Richard Hughes.

The 16-year-old’s ascent has been rapid. He progressed through the Reds’ youth and academy sides during his first season on Merseyside - establishing himself at Premier League 2 level and in the UEFA Youth League.

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But the England youngster even made it all the way to Arne Slot’s first team - debuting at Anfield in the FA Cup against Accrington and sitting on the bench in other competitions.

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Ngumoha played a full part in the Premier League champions’ preseason preparations too - and was on the bench for last weekend’s league opener against Bournemouth.

The world is at Ngumoha's feet

Right now the world is in Ngumoha’s hands - with the winger earmarked for an increased first-team role - and a new contract when he turns 17 next week.

So quick has been Ngumoha’s development that he has forced his way ahead of other Liverpool academy jewels. One such example is Kaide Gordon.

The 20-year-old swapped Derby County for Liverpool back in 2021 - going on to play seven times for the Reds first team.

Gordon spent last season out on loan at Norwich and Portsmouth with it expected that he will have another loan spell in the Championship this season.

Ngumoha rise impacts Kaide Gordon

Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey claims that Ngumoha’s progress has had a big impact on Gordon.

It’s Ngumoha and not Gordon who has got a path to the first team with Liverpool now prepared to sanction another exit.

Former club Derby as well as Wrexham are named as suitors - but it’s thought that several more teams in the Championship could come forward with interest.

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'So many teams' in for Gordon

“There are so many teams in for this boy,” Bailey states on EFL Analysis.

“In a way he has kind of dropped behind Rio Ngumoha at Liverpool. He was previously a bigger name but Ngumoha has a real path to the first team there now.

“But Gordon now has got his pick of clubs in the Championship. Derby and Swansea are among them but there’s half the Championship interested in him. The player, and Liverpool, are just assessing their options now to find the best fit.

“It would definitely be a loan move. There are very few clubs in the Championship who could afford to tempt him there permanently.”

Gordon, an England under-20 international, signed a new long-term contract with the Reds in 2024 - meaning any permanent departure is going to come with a big cost attached for interested teams.