The Athletic reported at the beginning of the month that Arsenal were positioning themselves to persuade Rio Ngumoha to move to the Emirates rather than continue his development at Anfield. The 18-year-old is seen as one of England’s biggest attacking talents, for Liverpool a massive loss if the teenager chooses not to extend – and pulls to one of the biggest rivals in the Premier League. Now it is reported that the decision has been made.
According to Teamtalk’s sources , Liverpool and Ngumoha have been negotiating a new contract, with the principles of the deal reportedly agreed earlier this month. Liverpool are said to be accelerating towards an announcement that the highly-rated winger is signing new terms at Anfield.
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We have seen negotiations fail in the past, Arsenal are following the process closely. Now, Teamtalk reports that Liverpool are going a long way in rewarding Rio with what is described as a “significant improvement in terms”, with the new deal “designed to reflect his growing status and importance to Liverpool”.
Transfer journalist Romano confirms this, where he is also convinced that “Ngumoha’s future is Liverpool”.
The Daily Mail describes the 18-year-old as a future world star and reports that Liverpool are redoubling their efforts to keep him by stressing how important he will be to their future plans.
There are still possibilities for things to happen in the run-up, but according to Pete O’Rourke of the Transfer Insider Podcast, Ngumoha has made his final decision:
“Liverpool are obviously desperate to keep Ngumoha; and the player himself, I understand, is also happy at Liverpool and is likely to start regularly this season,” O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast. When you get top young players like this, they will always attract interest from other clubs, but Liverpool are confident that his long-term future will be at Anfield… there is optimism on both sides that they can get this deal done.”
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