Chelsea look to have let a diamond in Rio Ngumoha slip through their fingers to join rivals Liverpool, after the teenager was inspired by the likes of Conor Bradley and other Anfield youngsters to join the club. This summer has seen the rise of the English midfielder, who turned heads with his pre-season performances.

His tally of two goals and two assists earlier this summer certainly built up a buzz around the player who has just celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday. But, four days before his big day, Ngumoha made sure the footballing world knew exactly who he was.

In the 96th minute, Arne Slot took a gamble by subbing Ngumoha on for his Premier League debut, when the Reds were staring down the barrel of a disappointing 2-2 draw at Newcastle. The then-16-year-old made an immediate impact, popping up at the far post in the 100th minute to tuck the ball into the net and send the away fans into ecstasy.

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His match-winning goal demonstrated the crucial role he could play for the current Premier League champions this season.

And the youngster, who only made his senior debut in January during the FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley, has already proven that his decision to leave Chelsea about a year ago was the right one.

Ngumoha joined the Reds from the Blues last summer as a 15-year-old, having already trained with the first team at Stamford Bridge and made nine appearances for the Under-18s. However, he became another one of the many Cobham talents to depart in search of more game time.

Ngumoha was reportedly inspired to join Liverpool after seeing the opportunities Jurgen Klopp provided for young players, according to The Athletic.

Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley and Trey Nyoni's early involvement in the first team during the 2023/24 season under Klopp's management was particularly influential.

Believing that Liverpool would offer him a better shot at Premier League action than Chelsea, Ngumoha made the move. Liverpool's triumph over Chelsea in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, just months before his transfer, highlighted the difference between the two clubs.

Several of Liverpool's academy stars, including Jayden Danns, Bobby Clark and James McConnell, were given the chance to shine at Wembley Stadium, resulting in a 1-0 victory in extra time. This faith in youth appears to have been passed on to Klopp's successor, Slot – who placed a lot of pressure on young Rio's shoulders, and he sure delivered for the Dutchman.

However, Chelsea were reportedly livid at the time, especially as Ngumoha had been with their academy since he was eight. No one was more disappointed than Blues legend John Terry, an academy coach with Chelsea, whose glowing praise of the teenager hinted at his potential future success.

"Good luck mate," was the blunt reply from the ex-England and Chelsea skipper to Ngumoha's Instagram post, which announced his delayed arrival at Liverpool last summer. He added: "This boy is and will be a top top player."

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