{"id":253116,"date":"2026-07-15T19:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T19:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/15\/more-electric-than-ngumoha-128m-star-is-keen-to-join-liverpool\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T19:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T19:45:12","slug":"more-electric-than-ngumoha-128m-star-is-keen-to-join-liverpool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/15\/more-electric-than-ngumoha-128m-star-is-keen-to-join-liverpool\/","title":{"rendered":"More electric than Ngumoha: \u00a3128m star is keen to join Liverpool"},"content":{"rendered":"

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For the second time in two years, Liverpool<\/a> fans are gearing up for a new era as yet another manager tries to make the club a consistent force to be reckoned with in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Andoni Iraola<\/a> has been handed the responsibility of taking the Reds to the next level in 2026\/27 after Arne Slot was handed his marching orders back in May.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard arrives after leading Bournemouth to European football for the first time – highlighting his excellent ability to get the best out of the players at his disposal.<\/p>\n

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\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

There\u2019s no denying the Reds fell short of expectations last term, especially after claiming the Premier League title under Slot\u2019s guidance less than a year before his departure.<\/p>\n

However, if Iraola is to avoid suffering the same fate at Anfield next season, he may have to put faith in one senior member to provide the goods on Merseyside.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Iraola could be perfect for Ngumoha at Liverpool<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite the struggles of Slot as Liverpool boss last campaign, winger Rio Ngumoha<\/a> emerged as a shining light and a key senior member of the squad despite being just 17.<\/p>\n

The teenager racked up 19 appearances in the top-flight, even netting two goals – including his iconic last-minute winner against Newcastle United back in August.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Rio\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, supporters often vented their frustration at the former manager as he often left the Englishman on the bench and opted to start players such as Cody Gakpo ahead of him.<\/p>\n

The arrival of Iraola could be a blessing in disguise for Ngumoha in 2026\/27, as the Spaniard is a manager who has previously shown huge faith in younger talents at Bournemouth.<\/p>\n

His Cherries side last term had an average age of just 25.1 – the fifth-youngest of any side in the division – which allowed the likes of Eli Kroupi Junior and Rayan to enjoy breakthrough campaigns.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Most PL minutes played by U18 talents (2025\/26)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Player<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mateus Mane<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1795<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rio Ngumoha<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

560<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Max Dowman<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

157<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Harry Howell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

94<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Divine Mukasa<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Bendito Mantato<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Joel Drakes-Thomas<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Shumaira Mheuka<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

The Liverpool teenager could well be the next player to take his career to the next level under Iraola\u2019s guidance – especially if he can emulate his success from last term.<\/p>\n

His inclusion in the England squad ahead of the World Cup is evidence of his talent, but he will need to stay grounded and continue on his current trajectory if he\u2019s to become an elite attacking option.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Liverpool could sign the perfect rival for Ngumoha<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Liverpool have become known for their attacking quality over recent years, with the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Man\u00e9 arguably one of the best partnerships in Premier League history.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Liverpool\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, the departure of the Egyptian from Anfield this summer has seen all of the talents now move onto pastures new – leaving Iraola with the task of building his own iconic front three.<\/p>\n

Victor Munoz has already made the move to Anfield in recent months, but he could also be joined by Bradley Barcola by the end of the ongoing transfer window.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been reported by TEAMtalk that Liverpool have entered fresh talks with PSG over the possibility of securing a move for the French winger during the summer window.<\/p>\n

Their report also claims that the 23-year-old would be open to moving to Anfield this summer, with the attacker a player who has struggled for consistent starts under Luis Enrique.<\/p>\n

However, any deal would likely cost the Reds a pretty penny this window, as the Ligue 1 outfit are said to be demanding at least \u00a3128m<\/a> to sell the forward this window.<\/p>\n

Whilst it would appear a hefty sum would be needed to secure Barcola\u2019s services, it\u2019s a move which could secure Iraola\u2019s men an elite-level left-winger for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"bradley-barcola-psg\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

He\u2019s already further down the line of his development than Ngumoha, with the Frenchman\u2019s stats from last season highlighting why he\u2019s more electric than the Liverpool teenager.<\/p>\n

Barcola ended the recent campaign with 21 combined goals and assists, a tally 18 higher than that of the Reds youngster – whilst also achieving a better minutes-per-goal contribution record.<\/p>\n

The aforementioned figures make him a readymade option for Iraola next season as he attempts to make an immediate impact at Anfield after his summer appointment.<\/p>\n

As for the PSG star, he\u2019s also clocked a faster speed than Ngumoha, with his top speed of 36.72 km\/h in the Champions League last season, one of the top five fastest sprints recorded by any player in the competition.<\/p>\n

He also completed more successful dribbles per 90 than the teenager throughout 2025\/26 – showcasing his ability to breeze past the opposition with his blistering pace whilst also adding the end product to his mazy runs.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Barcola-France-World-Cup\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Whilst France were knocked out of the World Cup last night, Barcola\u2019s tally of two goals and one assist played a huge part in his nation\u2019s ability to reach the latter stages of the competition.<\/p>\n

Ngumoha has been unable to emulate such numbers over recent months, having being left out of Thomas Tuchel\u2019s England squad for the tournament in America.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s little denying that the sky is the limit for Ngumoha, but at present Barcola is a player who is already built to make an immediate impact on Merseyside.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no reason why the Englishman can\u2019t learn his trade off the Frenchman next term, but he may well have to play second fiddle once again if a \u00a3100m deal is agreed for the current PSG star.<\/p>\n