Liverpool are working on a new long-term contract for Rio Ngumoha after the 18-year-old's record-breaking display against Villarreal, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that active conversations are under way and that the winger was never for sale last summer.
Ngumoha provided two assists as Liverpool came from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to set up a goal in European competition — a record he took from Michael Owen, as we detailed in our report on his record night.
Romano: 'Active conversations' over a new deal
Romano, reported by Sports Mole, said Liverpool are actively discussing a new long-term contract with Ngumoha and are determined to make him a key part of their future. "Rio Ngumoha was fantastic for Liverpool in the Champions League with two assists," Romano said in a video posted on X. "The boy keeps breaking records for Liverpool, and the youngest ever to deliver an assist for Liverpool in the Champions League."
TEAMtalk's account of the same Romano update adds that there is a mutual desire to extend. Ngumoha is reported to be very happy at Anfield, describing Liverpool after the Villarreal game as "the best club in the world" and saying that to break records there feels "absolutely special." His current deal is reported to run until 2028, and he has been eligible for improved, longer terms since turning 18 in late August.
Untouchable last summer — and staying that way
The talks are also about shutting the door on Europe's biggest clubs. Romano stressed that, despite stories linking Ngumoha with Bayern Munich and others in recent months, "in the summer, the player was never for sale. It was never possible to see Ngumoha leaving Liverpool."
That stance is easier to understand after Tuesday. TEAMtalk notes Ngumoha was named UEFA's player of the match against Villarreal: his first assist helped haul Liverpool level before half-time in the comeback, and his second, created after beating his marker down the flank, set up Alexis Mac Allister to put the Reds in front.
So what does this mean for Liverpool?
So what does this mean for Liverpool? Every week Ngumoha plays like this without new terms signed, his market value rises and the interest from elsewhere grows louder. A long-term deal with a significant improvement in terms would protect a prized asset, reward a teenager who is now deciding Champions League games, and remove a distraction before it becomes a saga.
It would also settle his role. Ngumoha has had to be patient for Premier League starts this season, but performances like Tuesday's make the case that he is no longer just a prospect to be protected — he is a first-team option for Andoni Iraola's biggest games, starting with the run of fixtures ahead.
Beyond the Final Whistle
Beyond the Final Whistle: Liverpool learned the hard way with Trent Alexander-Arnold what happens when a homegrown star's contract is allowed to drift — they cannot make the same mistake with Ngumoha. He is 18, breaking Owen's records and calling Anfield the best club in the world; the time to lock him down is now, while he is saying it. Get the deal done before Europe's giants turn admiration into offers. Liverpool fans — how big a part should Ngumoha play this season while the talks continue?
