JB
3 weeks ago
Ngumoha, now 16, made headlines by scoring the match-winning goal in just his second Premier League appearance during Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle on Monday. ..Continue Reading
With that goal, he joined an elite group of players to score in the Premier League before turning 17, alongside James Vaughan, Wayne Rooney, and James Milner.
Liverpool acquired Ngumoha from Chelsea last summer, and he quickly impressed the club’s senior coaching staff.
He started in the 4-0 FA Cup third-round win against Accrington Stanley in January and made major strides during pre-season, earning a spot in new manager Arne Slot’s first-team plans.
Ngumoha’s inclusion in the squad for Liverpool’s first two league matches of the season, both as a substitute, signals his growing role at Anfield.
Chelsea remain deeply frustrated over losing one of their standout academy prospects. According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool’s acquisition of the player complied with the Premier League’s stringent five-step process for signing under-18 talent.
Nonetheless, Chelsea are reportedly demanding a substantial compensation package, particularly in light of Ngumoha’s early success at senior level.
The same report claims tensions between the clubs have intensified, with Chelsea now taking steps to block Liverpool scouts from attending their youth matches — highlighting the growing rift over the teenager’s transfer.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website after scoring the 100th-minute winning goal at St James’ Park on Monday, Ngumoha said: “I’m buzzing. I’m so happy to score, especially the winner. It’s a special feeling.
“It was crazy. He [Slot] looked at me and pointed at me, like, ‘Get on, get ready, you just have to come on and make an impact’. Luckily and thank God that I did that.
“As the ball came I just thought, I back myself to score. The fans, I heard them screaming my name. That’s a sensational moment.
“But you can’t get too carried away with all the noise, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times a day on the training ground, so it’s no different with the fans. But obviously with the fans backing you there… it’s just crazy.”
