Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has been ‘kept out’ of the first-team dressing room despite penning his maiden professional contract with the club.
The Premier League champions confirmed on Thursday that the 17-year-old forward, who joined from Chelsea’s academy in September 2024, has officially signed his first deal at Anfield.
Ngumoha has already made five senior appearances for the Reds, including Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
He also announced himself in style last month by scoring a dramatic 100th-minute winner on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United.
The teenager’s rise has been rapid. From Chelsea’s academy standout to Liverpool’s record-breaking youngest goalscorer and European debutant, Ngumoha continues to go from strength to strength—cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
Ngumoha is currently barred from using Liverpool’s dressing room — not because of misconduct or a sanction from manager Arne Slot, but due to strict regulations.
FA rules state that players under 18, who are legally considered minors, cannot share a changing room with senior professionals. As a result, the young forward and his teammates are required to keep separate facilities.
