The Chelsea academy has suffered a massive blow, with highly-rated 15-year-old Rio Ngumoha reportedly on the verge of joining rivals Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are closing in on a deal to sign the talented youngster, who will leave the Blues.
Ngumoha’s departure is a major loss for Chelsea’s youth development system. The young forward was considered a rising star within the academy, and the Blues had high hopes for his future at Stamford Bridge.
The move is particularly striking due to the lengths Liverpool are reportedly going to secure Ngumoha.
Romano suggests the Reds are prepared to break their academy wage structure to land the young player. This shows the considerable talent they see in Ngumoha.
Details of the transfer remain undisclosed, but reports indicate the deal is nearing completion.
Chelsea fans will be disappointed to see such a promising prospect depart for a direct competitor. The Blues must be wary after seeing some excellent players escape their grasp.
The Blues have lost some stellar prospects over the years, with Jamal Musiala, Declan Rice, and Michael Olise the most prominent names.
Musiala left Chelsea for Bayern Munich, where he has established himself as one of the finest attackers in the game.
He has grown into a German international and played a crucial role in their journey to the 2024 European Championship quarter-final.
Musiala ultimately felt Bayern presented a clearer developmental path than Chelsea despite the Blues’ making a substantial proposal to keep him. The move has paid off.
Rice also left Chelsea’s Cobham set-up after the Blues let him go. He joined West Ham United, becoming a crucial player before earning a big-money move to Arsenal amid Chelsea’s interest.
Despite spending seven years within their youth team, the West Londoners saw Olise leave for Manchester City. Chelsea returned for his signature this summer, but the attacker opted for Bayern Munich.
