Liverpool seem to be getting closer to £300 million in spending in the 2025 summer transfer window. However, a teen talent signed up last summer has been attracting attention in pre-season.
The Kop coach Arne Slot has tried to extinguish rumors surrounding Rio Ngumoha (16 years old) after the player scored a stunning solo goal in the match in Japan.
However, right on the day Luis Diaz left the team and alternatives to the left wing were being considered, Rio Ngumoha shone brilliantly in the 3-1 comeback victory over Yokohama Marinos.
Florian Wirtz - a £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen - also scored his first goal for Liverpool. That was the equalizer after Asahi Uenaka opened the scoring in the 55th minute for the J1 League representative. Two teenage talents, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, then scored in turn in a dramatic second half, concluding Liverpool's trip to Asia with an impressive victory.
Rio Ngumoha has certainly taken advantage of the opportunity in the tour to show himself and compete for a position in the team next season. Liverpool currently have Cody Gakpo as the choice on the left wing when Diaz is absent. Hugo Ekitike, a £79m player, could also be used in this position if Alexander Isak joins Anfield at the end of the transfer window to take on the No. 9 role.
Rio Ngumoha is considered one of Liverpool's most promising talents. Therefore, Arne Slot will have to be cautious in controlling the growing expectations around him.
"Rio Ngumoha is not the only one who has been affected from the bench. Trey Nyoni - also a young player - scored after Jeremie Frimpong's assist. In the first goal, I think Curtis Jones played a very important role in getting the ball in the midfield area.
It was great to see young players 16, 17 or 18 years old make their mark in the match. There was also a moment in the match where Rio Ngumoha should have passed the ball to Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones.
So that is also a lesson for him. If you are only 16 and can influence the game like him, it is definitely a great compliment" - said the Liverpool captain.
While Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes continues to work with the new players, Arne Slot will prepare for the new season with 2 friendly matches against Athletic Bilbao.
Next, the "Red Brigade" will face Crystal Palace in the English Super Cup match, before starting their journey to defend the Premier League title against Bournemouth.
Arne Slot added: "We did not have time to enjoy the achievements of last season. So all our focus now is on the new season and how I need to prepare the players to face another difficult season."
