Liverpool is preparing to include a car clause for wonderkid Rio Ngumoha if he signs his initial professional contract with the club upon reaching the age of 17. Ngumoha, who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, made history last season by becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever first team player.
At the age of 16 years and 135 days, he participated in the Reds’ FA Cup third-round match against Accrington Stanley in January.
He has been training intermittently with Liverpool’s first team since October 2024, with Anfield Watch reporting that he has been ‘terrorising’ senior players.
Additionally, it was noted that manager Arne Slot and the coaching staff at Liverpool have been ‘mesmerised’ by the young talent.
Journalist David Lynch asserts that it is ‘very, very likely’ that Ngumoha will sign professional terms once he turns 17 next month.
If he does, the former Chelsea starlet will aim to secure even more first team opportunities this season.
He started Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Championship side Preston North End due to the absence of several senior players.
Regardless of the playing time he may receive, Ngumoha will almost certainly need to agree to a special ‘car clause’ that all young Liverpool stars must follow.
All players representing the club’s academy – Ngumoha will continue to play for the team despite his first team opportunities – are required to sign this clause, which is intended to keep players grounded as they progress through the age groups.
There are no strict stipulations regarding the type of car, although Liverpool academy staff will ‘approve’ the vehicle based on various factors and determine whether it can be parked in the club’s car park.
In 2023, Liverpool academy manager Alex Inglethorpe elaborated on the rationale behind the clause.
He shared with Robbie Fowler on the ‘We are Liverpool’ podcast: “What you don’t want is them driving in with a Range Rover.
“The reason for not wanting them to arrive in something that is too large, too extravagant, or too much of a statement is that it is not only the manager and the staff who may have an opinion on you, but also the senior players.