How much did Liverpool pay for Rio Ngumoha? – Liverpool FC

Rio Ngumoha has emerged as Liverpool’s most exciting current young player, but how much did the teenager cost the Reds when he joined?

This time last year, Liverpool fans could have been forgiven for having never heard of Ngumoha, who was a 15-year-old youth product at Chelsea at the time.

Last September, though, Liverpool announced the signing of the young winger from the London side.

But how much did the now 16-year-old actually cost Liverpool?

The truth is, a fee is still yet to be agreed, even though a “mere six-figure sum” was mooted by the Mail‘s Lewis Steele, as well as £2 million by the Express.

Chelsea are entitled to a compensation fee as he left the club at the end of his contract while under the age of 24 – this is still in effect even though he was a scholar.

If the two clubs cannot reach an agreement over the compensation fee between themselves, a tribunal will be required to determine the fee and payment structure.

There has been no reported agreement between the two clubs, and thus the situation remains unmoved since the initial transfer last year.

For context, Liverpool signed Harvey Elliott as a 16-year-old in 2019 but it was only in 2021 that a tribunal ruled they would need to pay up to £4.3 million to Fulham.

It, therefore, could be a similar outcome with Ngumoha as Chelsea will want to be compensated for their loss having seen his potential up close and now in a Liverpool shirt under Arne Slot.

How is a fee determined at a tribunal?

The Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) determines the amount of compensation payable for training and developing players under the age of 24.

Their decision is final and binding, which is why it is encouraged that clubs agree between themselves, and they set out any further add-ons included in the compensation package.

During their deliberation they will consider factors including the age of the player, the terms of their new contract, the player’s record and achievements, interest from other clubs and any costs incurred to train the player.

Elliott was the last player Liverpool went to a tribunal for and it was the highest compensation ever given by the PFCC for a 16-year-old player.

The club paid an initial £1.2 million for Elliott, with further add-ons for when he signed his first professional contract, subsequent deals, first-team appearances and international caps.

Ngumoha set for first-team role

Ngumoha was the shining light of Liverpool’s pre-season and This Is Anfield understands he is considered a genuine first-team contender this season.

He is set to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in August and be afforded opportunities throughout the campaign, while also likely featuring for the U21s.

Arne Slot hinted in the summer that Ngumoha can play a squad role this season, while also being cautious not to overhype the youngster.

“I see him train, I see him play, and the impact he has when he trains and plays is really promising,” Slot said.

“Playing in the Premier League, playing every three days with the Champions League games in between, that’s something else.

“But he’s definitely a player who shows at this moment in time that if he keeps bringing these performances in, then tonight definitely won’t be the last time he plays a few minutes for Liverpool.

“It’s all about consistency. He needs to show it every single day we’re on the pitch.”

It is impossible to predict Ngumoha’s career trajectory at this point, but he couldn’t ask to be in a better place to hone his talent.

The Englishman is in a Premier League title-winning squad, surrounded by world-class players, and is in the best environment to continue his development.