Liverpool have taken a clear stance on the future of young winger Rio Ngumoha, confirming he won’t be sold this summer regardless of incoming attacking reinforcements.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Ngumoha remains central to Liverpool’s plans both now and going forward, and that his status won’t change even if the club lands two fresh wingers. This comes as Liverpool continue their determined chase of PSG forward Bradley Barcola.
Ngumoha Seen As Untouchable
The 17-year-old had a standout first season in senior football, standing out as a rare bright spot during an otherwise tough campaign for Liverpool. He racked up 19 Premier League outings, contributed two goals and an assist, and also got minutes in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Fans quickly warmed to his fearless approach, with his blend of speed, tight ball control, and willingness to take on defenders hinting at real long-term quality.
That form caught Bayern Munich’s eye too — BBC Sport reported back in June that the Bavarian club had made enquiries. But Liverpool shut down any suggestion of a departure, making clear the teenager is viewed as both a present and future asset.
Romano has since echoed that message, stating the youngster was never genuinely close to a Bayern switch and describing him as fundamental to Liverpool’s present and future project. He added that this won’t waver even if Liverpool bring in two new wide players — something that could happen especially if Cody Gakpo joins Tottenham. Ngumoha, in Romano’s words, stays “untouchable.”
Barcola Pursuit Intensifies
Liverpool’s chase for Barcola, meanwhile, remains full steam ahead. Romano says the club is in daily dialogue with PSG over the France international, and that Barcola has already agreed personal terms with the Reds — reportedly making Liverpool his preferred destination.
Romano was blunt about Liverpool’s intent to get the deal done, though the transfer fee remains the sticking point. PSG are said to want around £145 million, while Liverpool’s ceiling sits closer to £120 million — a gap that still needs closing.
Talks Still Alive Between the Clubs
Despite that gulf in valuation, contact between the two sides hasn’t stopped — Romano noted Liverpool and PSG were still talking as recently as Thursday, a sign negotiations are ongoing rather than dead. Things could move fast if a compromise on price is found. Barcola is said to be Liverpool’s number one target for the wings this summer.
Interest in Mbaye Cools
Liverpool had also explored a move for another PSG youngster, 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, but Romano reports that interest has faded — largely down to cost. Pursuing both Barcola and Mbaye together was deemed too pricey, so Liverpool are now focusing resources on Barcola while weighing whether a Mbaye deal still makes financial sense. That may mean the club looks elsewhere for a second attacking signing.
Bottom Line for Ngumoha
For Liverpool fans, the key message is that Ngumoha won’t be pushed aside to accommodate new signings. Even with Barcola potentially arriving and another winger added, the teenager is expected to stay firmly part of the first-team picture — a strong show of faith in a player who only broke through last season.
With the Barcola talks ongoing and Liverpool still hunting further attacking depth, their forward line next season could look quite different — but Ngumoha looks set to remain part of it.
