Report: Rio Ngumoha nears new Liverpool deal, but Bayern keep watch

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, who is of Nigerian origin, could sign a new long-term contract at Anfield during the current international break, according to TEAMtalk, even as Bayern Munich keep a close eye on the 18-year-old.

Ngumoha's present deal runs until 2028. TEAMtalk, as relayed by SPORTbible on 8 November, reported that the club hope to tie him down after the latest round of Premier League games, on terms that would take him well past his 20th birthday.

AfricaSoccer.com reported on 2 November that broad terms had been discussed with the winger's representatives since September, and that sporting director Julian Ward wants the matter settled quickly. Liverpool turned down approaches from Bayern for him in the summer window.

Romano: Liverpool never wanted to talk about a sale

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Bayern's interest on his YouTube channel, but said Liverpool had shut the door on a sale. In comments reported by SPORTbible, he described it as:

“never even an option to negotiate.”

“The conversation is underway. It's going quite well,” he added.

SPORTbible also named Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs monitoring the teenager, while TEAMtalk reported that Ngumoha is happy at Anfield and wants to win a starting place under Andoni Iraola.

Analysis: a new deal raises the price, and the stakes for Nigeria

A contract that runs into the next decade would change the shape of any future approach. With his current terms ending in 2028, a club like Bayern could have argued for a lower fee as that date drew closer; a long extension removes that leverage and puts Liverpool firmly in control.

It also tells you how Liverpool value him. Clubs do not hand long deals to 18-year-olds they see as squad fillers, and the talk of a starting place suggests Ngumoha sees his future at the club rather than on loan.

For Nigerian fans, the teenager has been one to follow since his first Anfield goal in April, and Soccernet has tracked him through Liverpool's season, including the Brighton fixture in October. A player valued this highly by one of Europe's biggest clubs is exactly the kind of talent the NFF will want to keep talking to.

If the reports are right, the next fortnight should settle where Ngumoha's club future lies.