TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be tempted to give one of his academy stars first-team chances this season.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz currently faces an uncertain future at Anfield and there’s a chance he could leave the club over the coming weeks.
Diaz has been left unhappy with Liverpool’s unwillingness to sell him or make him a contract offer.
As TBR Football reported earlier this month, Liverpool are not on speaking terms with Diaz over a new deal, having backed away from their decision to sit down with him.
Whilst Liverpool would look for a replacement in case Diaz goes, there’s a youth team player who could get more opportunities to impress in his place.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesLiverpool could give Rio Ngumoha first-team chances
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Rio Ngumoha could be in line for game time in case Diaz is sold.
Ngumoha has been making waves at Liverpool since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2024.
Indeed, the 16-year-old has already made his competitive senior debut for the Reds, starting the FA Cup third-round win over Accrington Stanley last season.
Although Liverpool will still be looking for reinforcements on the left if Diaz leaves, Ngumoha could find himself in the first-team picture next season.
“If both Nunez and Diaz leave, Liverpool are expected to sign a left winger and a centre forward to fill those gaps,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“But separately, there’s talk about Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old who could be involved with the first team next season.
“If Ngumoha gets opportunities on the left alongside players like Cody Gakpo, it raises the question of how urgent the need really is for another left-sided signing.
“But from what I’m hearing, Liverpool still want to bring someone in for that position.”
READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike’s boss at Reims sends warning to Arne Slot as Liverpool move looms
When Rio Ngumoha is expected to sign Liverpool contract
Ngumoha joined Liverpool as a 15-year-old, meaning he could only sign scholarship terms due to restrictions on youth signings.
However, with Ngumoha turning 17 in August, he will become eligible to sign his first professional contract.
And Liverpool are expected to tie Ngumoha down to a new contract once he turns 17.