Rio Ngumoha issues official update on Liverpool future amid Arsenal interest

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Rio Ngumoha says he is keen to “let my football do the talking” while leaving his agent in charge of contract talks with Liverpool.

The teenage sensation, 18, is regarded as one of the best prospects in English football having sparkled for the Reds over the last 12 months.

Ngumoha became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool history when netting the winner in the 3-2 Premier League win at Newcastle United last August.

And the winger made his competitive debut for the England senior side in 2-0 win at Czechia in the Nations League in September.

The Athletic understands Liverpool are keen to reward Ngumoha by offering him a lengthy contract extension with improved terms.

His current terms expire in the summer of 2028 having signed his first professional contract with Liverpool last September.

However, Ngumoha insists he is relaxed about the situation as he continues to channel all of his energy on improving as a player.

When asked for an update on his contract talks with Liverpool, Ngumoha said after Saturday’s 2-1 win at Brentford: “To be fair, that is all with my agent now.

“I think it is all going well. I am not too sure. I just let my football do the talking at the end of the day. I enjoy playing, and all of that stuff is in the back of my mind really. I just play for the club, and hopefully I can carry on doing well.”

Arsenal hold an interest in signing Ngumoha - Ornstein

David Ornstein, The Athletic's Football Correspondent, has previously reported that Arsenal hold a genuine interest in signing Ngumoha.

Ornstein also revealed in June that Bayern Munich were keen to acquire Ngumoha in the summer, but Liverpool made it clear he was not for sale.

Yet Ngumoha insists he is enjoying the challenge of competing with Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz for a starting berth at Liverpool.

“I am enjoying the challenge and to be able to play off both sides is important,” said Ngumoha. Do I have a favourite position? No, not anymore.

“I am getting to grips with the right wing now, and I am liking it. It gives me a bit more unpredictability. I have been working hard on the training pitch.

“I went away with England, and I was playing on the right, so I learned a lot there as well.

“Watching the likes of Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. I took on board some of the stuff they told me, and it’s really helpful.”

Ngumoha played decisive role in Brentford victory

Ngumoha played a key role in Liverpool coming from behind to beat Brentford, making a major impact off the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.

He added: “Andoni (Iraola) wants me to take on players in one-v-one duels. He wants me to be threatening.

“Off the ball, he wants me to help the team however I can. I am enjoying working with him and enjoying improving.

“Whether I start or come off the bench, I have the same mentality. I know the club are just trying to look after me.

“We have some of the best attackers in the world, so competing for places is not easy. It is all about healthy competition and we all just want to make the team win at the end of the day. So whatever minutes we get, we can’t be sulking, we just have to go out and show what we can do.”

Ngumoha will be hoping to earn more minutes when Liverpool play host to La Liga side Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Merseysiders have made a solid start under head coach Iraola, winning six of their 10 games under the Spaniard, drawing three and losing one.