Teen forward seals first pro deal after scoring dramatic Premier League winner for Liverpool

Liverpool’s young forward Rio Ngumoha has taken the next step in his promising career by signing his first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old attacker, who joined the Reds’ Academy from Chelsea in September 2024, has already made a remarkable impression on Merseyside. Since his arrival, he has featured across Liverpool’s youth teams and quickly progressed into Arne Slot’s senior squad.

Ngumoha’s breakthrough moment came in extraordinary fashion last month when he struck a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United on his Premier League debut. The dramatic late strike sealed a 3-2 victory and announced the teenager to Liverpool fans as a name to remember.

He has since added further milestones to his fast-rising career. Just weeks after his league debut, Ngumoha made his first appearance in Europe, coming off the bench in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. He has also featured in domestic cup competitions, having made his senior bow in an FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley in January 2025.

Most recently, Ngumoha played a part in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup campaign, appearing in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield. In total, he has already clocked up five senior appearances for the club despite only turning professional this week.

Liverpool’s coaching staff have been impressed by his versatility and composure. Known for his pace, sharp finishing and ability to impact games in decisive moments, Ngumoha has quickly become one of the Academy’s standout prospects. His development across the U18, U19 and U21 levels during the 2024–25 season reflected both his work ethic and his natural talent.

The England U19 international’s rise has been followed closely by national selectors too, with his performances at the youth level marking him as one of the country’s brightest emerging forwards. His new deal confirms Liverpool’s intent to secure his future and continue nurturing him within the club’s long-term plans.

For Ngumoha, the journey has been rapid. From arriving at the Academy just over a year ago to scoring a match-winning Premier League goal at St James’ Park, his story reflects both opportunity and determination. Now, with a professional contract in hand, the next chapter of his career begins.

Liverpool’s announcement of his signing comes at a time when the club is focusing heavily on youth development. Ngumoha joins a growing group of Academy talents breaking through under Arne Slot, signalling a new generation ready to step up on the biggest stage.

The teenager’s achievements to date already place him in the spotlight, but Liverpool will be mindful of managing expectations as he continues to develop. With the experience of first-team minutes in league, cup and European competition under his belt, Ngumoha is well-positioned to build on his early success.

As he embarks on his professional journey, fans will watch closely to see if Ngumoha can replicate his dramatic debut heroics and carve out a lasting place in Liverpool’s first-team plans.