Game over as Rio Ngumoha decision forces forward to leave

Last week it emerged that Bayern Munich had launched an assault to sign Rio Ngumoha from Liverpool.

The 17-year-old - who has just made his England senior debut - is only under contract with the outgoing Premier League champions until 2028.

And given his marginal role under Arne Slot last season the Bavarians under head coach Vincent Kompany sensed an opportunity.

Having agreed personal terms with the young winger Bayern’s attempts to sign Ngumoha are currently at a standstill.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is no mood to sell Ngumoha following the former Chelsea youth’s promotion to the first-team squad last season.

In fact he is set to play a bigger role than ever under Andoni Iraola - who replaced Slot in the Anfield dugout.

Gakpo won't stay behind Ngumoha

But that decision is going to have a huge knock-on effect for one Liverpool forward in particular. Cody Gakpo, 27, signed a new contract last summer worth around £250k per week until 2029.

But according to a report on TEAMtalk the Netherlands international is not happy about the prospect of playing second fiddle to Ngumoha next season.

He has instructed his entourage to test the market for a new landing spot - and there is no shortage of interest in his signature.

“The Dutch international has concerns about his role under incoming head coach Andoni Iraola,” the report reads.

“Gakpo is unhappy about the prospect of finding himself behind teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha in the pecking order next season.

“The 27-year-old is understood to have voiced those concerns to people close to him, with his camp now carrying out due diligence on potential opportunities elsewhere should Liverpool become open to his departure.”

Lots of teams want Cody Gakpo

The report claims both Aston Villa and Tottenham would be interested in doing a deal for the ex-PSV captain while AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also among the suitors for his signature.

Further afield there are two clubs in Istanbul who like Gakpo in the shape of Fenerbahce and Besiktas.

And rounding out the interested parties are RB Leipzig - who have got a crown jewel on their books in the shape of Yan Diomande that Liverpool would love to sign.

For their part Liverpool’s decision-makers would be prepared to listen to offers for the versatile forward - who scored seven top-flight goals last season.

“He is not considered untouchable and the club would listen if a significant offer arrived,” the report reads.

“The former PSV Eindhoven star remains ambitious and is not believed to be interested in accepting a reduced role within the squad at this stage of his career.”

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