Liverpool have completed the signing of 16-year-old attacking talent Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea, with the highly-rated youngster citing a clearer path to the first team as a key factor in his decision.
Ngumoha, who was named player of the tournament when Chelsea's Under-16s won the national title last October, had been offered a scholarship by the Blues but opted to join Liverpool's academy instead. The teenager had already made an appearance for Chelsea's Under-21s and was considered one of the club's most promising prospects.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry, now working as an academy coach at Stamford Bridge, wished Ngumoha well on social media. Replying to the player's Instagram post announcing the move, Terry wrote: “Good luck mate” with a fist emoji.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot's reputation for promoting youth played a role in Ngumoha's choice. At his first press conference, Slot said: “I like to see good players and if they are old or young, that doesn’t matter that much. It’s always nice for a club and team that young players come through the ranks.”
The move was cleared by the Premier League on Wednesday, with Liverpool expected to pay Chelsea a five-figure compensation fee for the youngster's development. Ngumoha has joined Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's Under-18s squad at Anfield.
