"This boy is and will be a top player" - John Terry praises ex-Chelsea academy star as he completes Liverpool move
Former Chelsea captain John Terry has heaped praise on new Liverpool signing, Rio Ngumoha. After a long drawn-out saga, the teenager's transfer to the Merseyside club from the Blues has finally been completed.
Liverpool were inactive for most of the transfer window, sealing the signing of Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili in the final week of the transfer window. The Italian winger signed for the Reds in a cut-price deal of €15 million from Juventus. Meanwhile, Mamardashvili's transfer agreement included the goalkeeper staying at Valencia on loan for the 2024-25 season.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the transfer on his social media account and shared a picture of the 16-year-old holding the Liverpool jersey aloft. John Terry lamented the loss of the talented youngster, calling him a top player.
He commented on Romano's post:
"The boy is and will be a top player."
Ngumoha announced the move to the Reds via a post on his Instagram account.
According to The Athletic, the youngster will sign a scholarship deal with the Reds.
What Liverpool can expect from the Chelsea youth product
Ngumoha is predominantly a left-sided attacker who can play anywhere behind the striker. The former Chelsea youth player is expected to join Liverpool's U18s development team.
The youngster, who was linked with Liverpool for months, is considered "highly rated" at Merseyside, according to Romano. Ngumoha is considered one of the top players in the youth division and his signature is seen as a massive coup.
He rejected a new deal with Chelsea that was reportedly more lucrative than the scholarship deal he signed with the Reds. A clear pathway to the first team at the 19-time English champions is considered to have played a major part in Nghumoha's decision. He would have also witnessed his new side win the Carabao Cup largely with youth players, against his former team.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Ngumoha was called up to train with the Blues' first team on a few occasions last season. He was named the player of the tournament in his age group as the club were crowned champions of the Under-16s league.
Last season, he made four starts for Chelsea's Under-18 team, scoring a goal and providing an assist. With England's Under-15 team, he played seven matches and contributed with four goals.
The youngster is expected to be replaced by Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian at Stamford Bridge. The latter will join the Premier League side next summer after a big-money move from Palmeiras.