The January transfer window often stirs whispers at Kirkby, where Liverpool’s academy talents simmer with potential. This time, it’s Borussia Dortmund knocking, enquiring about a loan for 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha – a move that could accelerate his path or risk rushing the raw gem.
Ngumoha burst onto the scene after switching from Chelsea’s academy in September 2024, drawn by Liverpool’s renowned youth pathway. The left winger, versatile enough to drift centrally as an attacking midfielder, has already etched his name in Reds lore.
He became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer, netting on his senior debut against Norwich in the FA Cup on 11 January 2025 – a clinical finish that echoed the poise of a veteran. Since then, he’s racked up sporadic first-team minutes: one Champions League cameo totalling 16 minutes against AC Milan, and a handful of Premier League substitute appearances, including a lively 22-minute stint in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on 22 November 2025, where he provided a key assist.
Stats underline his promise. In the 2025/26 season so far, Ngumoha has featured in five senior outings across all competitions, with one goal and one assist, per Transfermarkt data. At U21 level, he’s been electric – seven goals and four assists in 12 Premier League 2 games, showcasing dribbling stats that rank him in the top percentile for successful take-ons among under-21 players in Europe, according to FBref. His style? A blend of raw pace, intricate footwork, and that instinctive flair reminiscent of early Raheem Sterling, but with a sharper eye for the final ball.
The enquiry, reported by The Telegraph’s Graham Ruthven, comes as Dortmund seek to bolster their flanks amid a patchy Bundesliga campaign. BVB’s track record in nurturing loans – think Jadon Sancho’s explosion or Jude Bellingham’s polish – makes this intriguing. Liverpool, sitting atop the Premier League with 48 points from 18 games as of 22 December 2025, could view it as ideal seasoning for Ngumoha, who’s contracted until 2028. Yet, echoes from November rumours via The Liverpool Offside suggest caution; at just 17, a mid-season jump to the Signal Iduna Park’s cauldron might overwhelm.
Arne Slot has been measured in his praise, noting in a post-match presser after the Villa game: “Rio’s got that spark – he’s earning his chances through hard work in training.”
A loan could hone Ngumoha’s edges in a high-stakes environment, exposing him to Champions League nights and tactical rigour. But Liverpool’s injury-prone wing options – with Diogo Jota sidelined again – might keep him closer to home for depth.