‘I think it is all going well’ – Rio Ngumoha speaks on Liverpool contract talks amid Arsenal interest

Rio Ngumoha has suggested that negotiations over a new Liverpool contract are progressing well, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich reportedly monitoring the teenage winger’s situation.

The 18-year-old, who has enjoyed a rapid rise since making his senior debut for Liverpool at 16, is the subject of discussions over a long-term deal as the Premier League club seek to secure his future.

Ngumoha’s current contract runs until June 2028, having signed his existing agreement in September 2025 after turning 17. His 18th birthday now makes him eligible to sign a longer professional contract, giving Liverpool an opportunity to reward his progress and strengthen their hold on one of their most promising young players.

Speaking about the negotiations this week, Ngumoha indicated that discussions were moving in the right direction, although he left the details to his representative.

“To be fair, that is all with my agent now. I think it is all going well. I am not too sure. I just let the football do the talking at the end of the day.

“So I enjoy playing and all of that stuff about contracts is in the back of my mind really. I just play for the club, play for Liverpool and hopefully I can carry on doing well.”

Arsenal and Bayern Munich keep tabs on Liverpool teenager

Liverpool have strong reasons to pursue an agreement, with Ngumoha’s development attracting attention beyond Anfield.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich have both been linked with the winger over the past year, increasing the importance of Liverpool securing his long-term future as he continues to establish himself at senior level.

Since making his debut at 16, Ngumoha has scored twice and provided an assist for the Reds, offering glimpses of the attacking quality that has made him one of the club’s most exciting young prospects.

His progress has also extended to the international stage. Ngumoha became the third-youngest player to feature in a competitive match for England when he came on as a substitute in their 2-0 victory over Czechia late last month.

That milestone further underlined his growing reputation and the speed of his development, with the teenager now seeking to turn his early promise into regular first-team contributions.

Liverpool will hope a new agreement can provide stability as he continues to develop under the pressure of competing at the highest level.

Ngumoha welcomes competition for places

Despite his growing profile, Ngumoha recognises that securing a regular place in Liverpool’s starting XI will not be straightforward.

The teenager faces competition from established and emerging attacking options, including Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola, making consistent performances crucial to his ambitions.

Rather than viewing the situation as an obstacle, Ngumoha believes the competition can benefit both him and his teammates as they fight for opportunities.

“Because I am still young, the club are just trying to look after me, but we also have some of the best attackers in the world, so competing for places is not easy. So it is all about healthy competition and we all just want to make the team win at the end of the day.”

His comments reflect a focus on development rather than the contractual discussions surrounding him. The winger has made it clear that his priority remains contributing on the pitch while his agent handles negotiations.

With rival clubs reportedly watching closely, Ngumoha’s indication that talks are “going well” will offer encouragement to Liverpool supporters. However, until an agreement is officially announced, his long-term future at Anfield remains unresolved.