Who is Rio Ngumoha? The 'next Musiala' set to leave Chelsea for Liverpool

Cameron Smith

• 8 Jul 2024 15:53 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea have one of the best academies in world football and they continue to develop world-class talent, despite the fact their owners are seemingly disinterested in the performances of their youth products.

Reece James, Mason Mount, Levi Colwill and Fikayo Tomori are among the players to have honed their craft at Cobham, while Jamal Musiala was in Chelsea’s academy until he joined Bayern Munich aged 16.

In Rio Ngumoha, Chelsea have a player who has been likened to Musiala on many occasions and they would be wise to keep hold of the talented teenager for years to come.

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However, he is set to join Liverpool after opting to leave Chelsea.

But, who is Ngumoha, how good is he and are Liverpool signing a future superstar?

What position does Rio Ngumoha play?

Ngumoha can play as a winger off either flank or as an attacking midfielder. He is best as a left winger.

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How good is Rio Ngumoha?

Ngumoha is regarded as one of Chelsea’s brightest academy talents and he trained with the first-team at just 15 years old.

In October 2023, he won the Premier League U16 Nationals ‘Player of the Tournament’ award, scoring in the final as Chelsea emerged victorious.

Ngumoha made his Chelsea U21 debut in January 2024 - becoming the club's third youngest player to achieve this feat in the 21st century - while he scored a mesmerising solo goal in the U17 Premier League cup final three months later.

Like the aforementioned Musiala, Ngumoha glides with the ball at his feet and is almost impossible to stop when he’s in full flow. His close control is immaculate and he excels in tight spaces.

The teenager is a regular starter in the England youth set-up and he won the Man of the Match award during the Three Lions’ U16 victory over Sweden in February 2024 after scoring once and providing two assists.

Ngumoha is considered to be one of Chelsea's best academy graduates, but the Blues will not reap the rewards of their work following news that he is set to join Liverpool.

What clubs are interested in Rio Ngumoha?

Liverpool appear to have won the race for Ngumoha's signature. Several top Premier League clubs were interested in completing a deal, but the Reds look set to sign him.

How old is Rio Ngumoha?

Ngumoha was born on 21 July 2008. He is 15 years old at the time of writing.

When does Rio Ngumoha’s contract expire?

Ngumoha is yet to sign his first professional contract at Chelsea.

What is Rio Ngumoha’s Instagram?

Ngumoha’s Instagram account is @rio_ngumoha. He has 25.4k followers as of July 2024.