Chelsea Ban Liverpool Scouts from Youth Games After Rio Ngoumohia Transfer
Chelsea have reportedly banned Liverpool officials from attending their youth team matches, following the recent transfer of 16-year-old winger Rio Ngoumohia to Liverpool’s academy, as reported by The Athletic.
Ngoumohia has already played three times for Liverpool’s U18 team, contributing one assist, and has also participated in two UEFA Youth League matches.
The move has created friction between the two clubs, leading Chelsea to limit Liverpool scouts’ access to their youth games. This decision is aimed at preventing further losses of their talented young players to rival clubs.
RelatedPosts
Here is Rio Ngumoha playing for Chelsea’s U21’s at just 15 years old. And he doesn’t look out of place…🌟
— BEN (@SMXLFC) July 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/V6gkhqBGdu
According to The Athletic, in response to Rio Ngoumohia’s transfer to Liverpool, both Liverpool and Manchester United have recently had their scouts’ requests to attend academy matches at Chelsea’s Cobham training center denied. This move seems to have been triggered by the transfer of the young winger to the Merseyside club.
While none of the clubs have officially banned each other’s scouts from their academy games, sources suggest that Liverpool might soon adopt a similar stance towards Chelsea, given the mutual nature of scouting access at youth levels. Discussions were held last week among representatives of all three clubs to address the situation, but no resolution has been reached yet.
Ngoumohia has now begun his journey at Liverpool, following a comprehensive five-step review by the Premier League to ensure the transfer met all regulations. The 16-year-old has made five appearances in both the Under-18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League, showcasing his speed, skill, and direct approach, which have already caught the attention of manager Barry Lewtas.
Despite not yet scoring for Liverpool, Ngoumohia’s early displays have impressed Lewtas, who spoke highly of the teenager’s progress and attitude. Lewtas expressed optimism for Ngoumohia’s development, emphasizing that while he may not change drastically in style, the goal is for him to continue improving and eventually feature at Anfield. He also praised Ngoumohia’s character and how well he has integrated into the team.
Chelsea Ban Liverpool Scouts from Youth Games After Rio Ngoumohia Transfer
