Liverpool Set to Secure ‘Untouchable’ Rio Ngumoha as Gakpo Eyes Spurs Move
Liverpool are closing in on what they see as one of the most important pieces of business of their summer – tying Rio Ngumoha to a new, improved contract.
Club insiders now “fully expect” to reach an agreement with the teenager, whose emergence was one of the few positives in a flat Liverpool campaign. While senior names misfired, Ngumoha played with a fearlessness that cut through the gloom and left many supporters wondering why he was not trusted ahead of the struggling Cody Gakpo more often.
That impact drew predictable attention. Bayern Munich explored a move earlier in the window, testing Liverpool’s resolve and the player’s ambition. The German champions have since moved on to other targets, and Liverpool have worked hard behind the scenes to shut down any notion that Ngumoha could be prised away.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano underlined the club’s stance this week, describing Ngumoha as “untouchable” at Anfield. He stressed that whatever happens with other wide targets – including Bradley Barcola – Liverpool’s plan to recruit wingers does not extend to sacrificing their own prodigy.
“Two wingers – because Liverpool’s intention is to add two wingers to the squad, especially if Gakpo goes to Tottenham – in any case, Rio Ngumoha is untouchable,” Romano said, adding that the youngster was “never close” to joining Bayern and is viewed as an “absolutely crucial” part of Liverpool’s present and future project.
Now comes the contract to match that rhetoric.
TEAMtalk report that Liverpool are ready to finalise an upgraded deal for Ngumoha and are confident of getting it done. The club had already handed him the maximum three-year contract allowed when he arrived, but his rapid rise has forced a rethink. The new agreement is expected to include a substantial pay rise and performance-related bonuses, including triggers linked to international appearances, as Liverpool plan for his full integration into the senior setup.
Crucially, the report adds that Liverpool “no longer fear” losing Ngumoha to a heavyweight rival in the near future. The message from the club is clear: build around him, not sell him.
While one winger is being ring-fenced, another could be on his way out.
A separate TEAMtalk update claims Gakpo has informed Liverpool he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur. Personal terms are said to be agreed in principle between the Dutch forward’s camp and Spurs, with his representatives now in direct dialogue with Liverpool’s hierarchy to underline the player’s stance.
According to the report, Gakpo has told the club he does not see his long-term future at Anfield and is pushing for the chance to move to north London.
If Liverpool cash in, the outgoing Dutchman and the ascending academy star could end up defining each other’s trajectories. Gakpo’s departure would free up both funds and minutes. Ngumoha’s new deal would signal who Liverpool trust to fill that space.
