Rio Ngumoha explains why he left Chelsea for Liverpool: 'No-brainer'

Ngumoha explains his 2023 move from Chelsea to Liverpool at 16, calling it a "no-brainer" after the Reds offered him a clear pathway to the first team.

Rio Ngumoha has reflected on his decision to leave Chelsea's academy for Liverpool at age 16, describing the switch as a "no-brainer". The teenage winger, who joined Chelsea at eight and was considered one of their most promising prospects, felt he needed a new challenge and was convinced by Liverpool's development plan.

"The plan that they set for me was straightforward really," Ngumoha said. "For me, it was a no-brainer going to Liverpool, and they just said if I prove myself, because they know how much ability I had, then they know that I would definitely be a first-team player."

Chelsea sought compensation for the departure, with a tribunal ordering Liverpool to pay an initial £2.8m, potentially rising to £6.8m with add-ons. Now 18, Ngumoha has become a regular under Andoni Iraola, featuring 14 times this season and earning a second England call-up. He recently impressed in Liverpool's 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal, providing two assists.