Real Madrid are already circling Liverpool’s newest prodigy, Rio Ngumoha and they could make their move as early as next summer.
The 17-year-old winger exploded onto the scene in spectacular fashion. Come off the bench in the final moments and bang in a stoppage-time winner against Newcastle? That’s the kind of instant announcement Liverpool fans don’t forget. He didn’t just score, he became the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer for the club with the goal that sealed a 3-2 win at St James’ Park.
Before that, during pre-season, Ngumoha was already turning heads, two goals, two assists and training like he belongs. So when Spanish outlet Defensa Central reports that Real Madrid are “closely monitoring” him, it hardly comes as a surprise.
The reports go further to say Florentino Pérez himself has taken notice. Madrid sees in Ngumoha a future superstar, someone to mould and maybe even chase a Ballon d’Or one day. The kid has even admitted he believes he can win one.
Contract talks in the pipeline for Rio Ngumoha but Madrid are ready
Liverpool are moving fast. Ngumoha is set to sign his first professional contract in the coming weeks likely extending through to 2028. But Real Madrid won’t need a release clause. They’re already preparing, knowing that next summer could be their opportunity to swoop if Liverpool hesitate.
And it won’t just be Madrid. Ngumoha is showing more poise and hunger than most 17-year-olds. He has England youth caps, Premier League heroics, and a trajectory pointing north. He’s not just talented, he’s made for the next level :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Anfield pipeline overrode Chelsea’s hold on Rio Ngumoha
This whole saga wouldn’t exist if Liverpool hadn’t offered a clearer path. Chelsea tried to hang on to Ngumoha, but he saw Liverpool as the place to go fast. And fast he went. Trainers, first-team minutes, a debut that will be talked about, everything he needed was there.
Now, with a Premier League debut winner and a Champions League spot in his pocket, there’s no going back. Chelsea’s reaction? Ban Liverpool scouts from Cobham and prep for a tribunal over the compensation but that’s just knock-on noise behind the scenes.
Author Opinion
Ngumoha’s at rock star status, barely 17, scoring winners, getting shout-outs from videos of legends like Salah. He’s not just talented; he’s hungry, smart, and already handling pressure like he’s been doing it a decade.
Real Madrid are waiting in line. But Liverpool? They’ve given him a chance to show he belongs. The contract talks are underway and given how fast he’s moving, Liverpool’s got to move faster. Because one day soon, they’re going to need to prove they’re the club where Ngumoha belongs, not just where he started.
