Liverpool are on the verge of signing England Under-16 international Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea, according to The Athletic.
The 15-year-old attacker will join the Reds’ academy, subject to Premier League approval.
Ngumoha is expected to initially link up with the U18s, but Premier League regulations mean he cannot train or play until the paperwork is finalised.
The highly touted youngster has decided to join Liverpool after leaving Chelsea, picking the Reds ahead of several suitors.
Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Jayden Danns, James McConnell, Bobby Clark, and Lewis Koumas received first-team opportunities under Jurgen Klopp last season.
This clear pathway to senior football was a crucial factor in Ngumoha’s decision, as he looks to emulate the success of these young Reds.
Ngumoha’s talent is undeniable. He was named player of the tournament when Chelsea’s U16s won the national championship last year and even earned a debut for their U21s in January.
Liverpool believe they have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects, even breaking their academy wage structure to get a deal over the line.
The likes of Quansah and Bradley have already become regulars with the first team, and Ngumoha will be aiming to follow suit.
He will need time to fully integrate, but the capture of this highly-rated youngster is a cause for excitement for Liverpool fans, who are desperate for transfer activity,
Liverpool have been slow out of the blocks in the transfer window. The Reds have been linked with several names, but nothing concrete has materialised.
The Reds reportedly submitted a bid for top defensive target Leny Yoro, but he remains keen on joining Real Madrid. Yoro’s club, Lille, accepted an offer from Manchester United, but he has his eyes on Los Blancos.
Also, Liverpool are keen on signing Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon, and the links to Atalanta midfield duo Ederson and Teun Koopmeiners refuse to go away.
Meanwhile, the Reds could be in the market for a long-term Andy Robertson successor, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri a target.
