Rio Ngumoha: The truth behind Bayern links, Slot bond, and Liverpool future

The teenager has reached significant milestones for both club and country this season, and there is still much more to come.

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For Rio Ngumoha, the start of this summer’s World Cup marked the end of both his involvement in England’s pre-tournament camp and what has been a memorable breakthrough season.

That he was even part of the Three Lions’ preparations at the age of just 17 is testament to both the major steps he has taken this year at Liverpool, as well as how highly regarded he is within the national team setup.

But, while significant, these milestones are likely to be just the start for a player who spelled out the scale of his ambition with a brave move from Chelsea to Anfield that opened up this pathway two years ago.

And that his drive is paired with a rare talent means this will surely be the last major tournament Ngumoha watches from home for some time.

The teenager’s bid to ensure that is the case will begin in pre-season when, after a hard-earned rest, he will look to build on the 29 appearances and two goals he registered last term.

Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are known to have harboured hopes that this development might continue away from Merseyside, but they are set to be disappointed.

As was widely reported last week, Bayern Munich were keen to make a shock move for Ngumoha as they looked to bring yet another major English talent to the Bundesliga.

Unfortunately for the German champions, Liverpool had no intention of considering the departure of a player they view as the present and future of the club, and so there was no discussion to be had.

In fact, senior Anfield figures were known to be incensed by a story they felt amounted to little more than tapping up from a European rival.

And from the player’s perspective, while Bayern did make contact with his representatives in an attempt to lay the foundations for a move, claims that terms had been agreed between the two parties are understood to be entirely false.

The same goes for suggestions that the door to a departure might have been left ajar because of Ngumoha’s unhappiness with the minutes he picked up at Liverpool last season.

In reality, the teenager was fully appreciative of the careful handling he received from Arne Slot last term.

Evidence of the strong bond the two shared could be seen in the Dutchman reaching out to Ngumoha after his recent impressive senior England debut against New Zealand.

In that regard, Andoni Iraola has something to live up to, and it will be hoped the former Bournemouth coach can provide a similar platform for growth next term.

Of course, should that prove to be the case, then Liverpool are unlikely to be done fighting off suitors - or, indeed, rumours - while it is known that Ngumoha’s contract expires in 2028.

Thankfully, an opportunity to extend those terms opens up when the player turns 18 in August, and the Reds would be wise to capitalise immediately, as they did with Harvey Elliott at the same age.

Then, all focus can be on ensuring the winger delivers on the immense potential that has put him on the remarkable upward trajectory witnessed this season.