Liverpool, Chelsea in dispute over a rising star

Liverpool is preparing to sign Rio Ngumoha to his first professional deal upon his 17th birthday, yet Chelsea insists on claiming a substantial compensation, leading to a fierce legal dispute between these two major English clubs.

The 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha — who just scored the winning goal for Liverpool against Newcastle United at St James’ Park — is set to sign his first professional contract lasting one year when he turns 17 this coming Friday.

However, Liverpool may face a legal dispute with Chelsea regarding the compensation fee for this young player, according to The Telegraph. Chelsea reportedly aims to claim a high fee, considering it necessary to protect academy talents and prevent young players from leaving too easily.

Ngumoha joined Chelsea during his pre-academy years and received a scholarship at the Cobham academy, but his family declined a long-term commitment, choosing to take him to Liverpool instead. According to Premier League rules, there is no fixed fee for academy players, and disputes are often resolved by the league’s compensation committee. Ngumoha’s winning goal for Liverpool might be used by Chelsea as evidence of his value to demand a higher compensation fee in the upcoming dispute.

Ngumoha’s case reflects a new trend in English football, where top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City fiercely compete even at the academy level. Previously, disputes involving first-team players were part of transfer culture, but pursuing young talents from other academies remains a relatively new phenomenon.

Chelsea has previously seen courts set compensation fees for several young players, such as Shim Mheuka from Brighton at around £3.25 million, and Reggie Watson from Crystal Palace for over £1 million.

The tension between Liverpool and Chelsea over recruiting and retaining young talents is not new. Dominic Solanke moved to Liverpool at 17, and Chelsea has repeatedly pursued top stars from Anfield. Ngumoha’s departure from Chelsea to Liverpool further intensifies the rivalry, highlighting the importance of protecting academies and young players’ rights in modern football.

With Liverpool set to sign Ngumoha professionally and Chelsea firmly demanding compensation, this case is expected to be reviewed soon and will likely become one of the most notable academy talent disputes in the Premier League in recent years.

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