Rio Ngumoha exit warning as winger nears move way

One of the most contentious issues around Liverpool right now is the game time being afforded to Rio Ngumoha.

The 17-year-old was promoted to the first-team squad - and given a new contract - following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

It was expected that the England youth would provide cover and competition for Cody Gakpo on the left wing but the Dutchman has hoovered up the vast majority of the minutes.

Arne Slot has been at pains to defend his usage of Rio - despite the fact that he’s played fewer than 90 minutes in total across the Premier League season.

Ngumoha made another big breakthrough against Nottingham Forest last weekend - delivering another game-changing cameo - and it remains to be seen what Slot has got planned for him against West Ham on Saturday.

It’s understandable that the former Chelsea youth might be frustrated with the amount of football he’s played - having been attracted away from Stamford Bridge for a pathway to the first team in summer 2024.

With a contract only extending to 2028 it might be tempting for Ngumoha to consider his options. Liverpool could owe Chelsea up to £6.8m - plus hefty clauses - for Ngumoha’s signing and this is one youth talent they cannot afford to fumble.

Trent Kone-Doherty nears Molde move

And this week the Premier League champions have been given a warning over what happens when promising players are not given the chance to develop their potential.

Trent Kone-Doherty, 19, is out of contract in 2026 and it looks like the Anfield side are going to lose him to Norwegian side Molde just a few months before his contract expires.

With the transfer window open until March 27 the young Irishman has the opportunity to go out and gain first-team football in a competitive environment.

The winger - signed from Derry City in 2022 - has only played first-team football twice for the Reds. He featured in a doomed FA Cup fixture against Plymouth last season before coming off the bench in the EFL Cup against Crystal Palace this term - another loss.

Use young players or lose them

But the Ireland under-21 international has been restricted to age-group football in Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League - where he has been in terrific form.

A resolution on this deal is expected imminently and it will be a regret that a player so close to the first-team picture is forced to look abroad for his chances.

Maybe Trent was never going to be as good as Rio or a legitimate first-team option for Arne Slot down the line. But it goes to show the conundrum Liverpool have got with these young talents they have begun to stockpile - use them or lose them.

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