Liverpool’s youth wage structure is set to be broken as they look to sign a promising 15-year-old winger from Chelsea. The Reds’ academy currently enforces a maximum wage of £50,000 per year for their youth players. Additionally, there are rules in place that restrict the engine size of vehicles owned by the players.
However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool is willing to break their traditional pay structure in order to secure the signing of Rio Ngumoha, an England under-16 winger. Ngumoha is currently part of Chelsea’s academy and made his debut for their Under-21s last season at just 15 years old. It seems that Liverpool is keen to bring him to Merseyside before his 16th birthday later this month.
If the transfer goes through, Ngumoha will join Alvin Ayman as the second high-profile 15-year-old to sign for Liverpool’s academy this summer. Ayman, a young midfielder from Wolves, is also set to arrive at Kirkby. These signings reflect a change in Liverpool’s approach to youth recruitment in a post-Brexit landscape. With new regulations preventing the signing of European talents before they turn 18, the club has shifted its focus to acquiring talented youngsters from around the country.
This shift has been evident in Liverpool’s recent signings, with Trey Nyoni from Leicester and Amara Nallo from West Ham joining the academy last year. Additionally, the club has acquired young talents such as Bobby Clark from Newcastle, James McConnell from Sunderland, Kaide Gordon from Derby County, and Ben Doak from Celtic, all in their mid-teens.
In addition to Ngumoha, another player linked with a move to Liverpool is Ryan McAidoo. McAidoo, who also plays for Chelsea’s academy and is an England under-16 youth international, could potentially join Liverpool this summer.
These signings showcase Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent. By breaking their traditional pay structure and expanding their recruitment efforts within the UK, the club is looking to secure the next generation of stars for their academy. With a reputation for producing top-quality players, Liverpool’s investment in youth development bodes well for their long-term success.