- Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the English Premier League defending champions
- Ngumoha made headlines earlier this season when he scored a stoppage time winner against Newcastle United on his Premier League debut
Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the English Premier League defending champions. The forward has committed his future to the Reds by signing a three-year contract.
Ngumoha, who is 17, previously played for Chelsea’s academy and was acquired by Liverpool in September 2024. He played his first match for Arne Slot’s side in January 2025 during the 4-0 win over Accrington in FA Cup. He was at the time 16 years and 135 days, making him the youngest player to start a match for Liverpool.
Ngumoha made headlines earlier this season when he scored a stoppage time winner against Newcastle United on his Premier League debut. He played his first game in the UEFA Champions League this month as the Reds secured a stunning 3-2 win over La Liga side Atletico Madrid at Anfield Stadium.
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Liverpool have been impressed with Ngumoha’s performance and already had plans to offer him a contract. However, they had to wait until he turned 17 last month before being allowed to offer him a deal.
According to FA rules, the maximum number of years a club can offer to a player signing his first professional contract is three years. The 17-year-old will be earning an annual salary of £52,000, according to Daily Mail. He was previously on an annual salary of £14,400 as a scholar.
Rio Ngumoha was regarded as the best player in his group during his time at Chelsea’s academy. Despite being offered a contract with the Blues, he opted to join Liverpool as he believed the club had a better pathway to first-team football which he desired.
After joining Liverpool, he played for the U18s, U19s and U21s during the 2024-25 season. He quickly made a name for himself at the academy and caught the attention of Arne Slot offered him the opportunity to play for the senior team.
Ngumoha made his first senior appearance in January but had to wait until the end of the season before getting more minutes in pre-season friendlies. The youngster recorded an assist against AC Milan and scored during the match against Yokohama F. His performances earned him a starting XI spot in the next match, which was against Athletic Bilbao. He scored barely two minutes into the encounter and received a standing ovation midway through the second half when he was substituted.
William Saliba Agrees New Contract At Arsenal
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed to sign a new five-year contract at Arsenal. The French centre-back has two years left on his current deal but is expected to sign a new deal which will last until 2030.
Saliba joined Arsenal in July 2019, but was loaned out to Ligue 1 clubs Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille to get regular playing time. He made his debut for the Gunners in August 2022 and has since established himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
Saliba has so far made 137 appearances for Arsenal and has been a key player for Mikel Arteta’s team alongside his defense partner Gabriel Magalhaes. The Frenchman had been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, something which prompted Arsenal to start talks to extend his contract.
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When asked if he will sign a new contract at Arsenal in July, Saliba replied: “Yes, hopefully — of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let’s see.”
