FC Bayern’s interest in signing Rio Ngumoha has apparently come as a surprise to Liverpool FC. The German record champions are said to have been looking into the young attacking talent this summer—but the Reds were unable to understand the reasoning behind it.
Bayern Munich is said to have been interested in Liverpool prospect Rio Ngumoha this past summer. Ultimately, a transfer did not materialize.
Ngumoha apparently only came onto Bayern’s radar after another preferred option fell through. The Munich club had initially set its sights on Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United, but the English national team player ultimately transferred to FC Barcelona for around 70 million euros.
Bayern is said to have then approached Ngumoha. The 18-year-old was considered an interesting alternative for the left side of the attack due to his prospects and potential. Liverpool, however, quickly made it clear that they did not want to let the youngster go. That put a move to Munich off the table.
What particularly surprised the Reds was the player’s alleged dissatisfaction with his situation. Ngumoha is said to have been unhappy with his playing time under coach Arne Slot. At Liverpool, however, no one had noticed anything of the sort.
“Bizarre story” surrounding Ngumoha
In hindsight,The Athletic described the events as a “bizarre story.” After all, Ngumoha had already racked up a remarkable number of minutes playing for the first team at a young age.
Last season, the now 18-year-old appeared in 19 Premier League matches and four Champions League games. Across all competitions, the offensive talent logged 952 minutes in a Liverpool jersey, scoring two goals and recording one assist.
Liverpool therefore apparently sees no reason why Ngumoha should have been dissatisfied with his role. “If Ngumoha felt even remotely uncomfortable with his role at Liverpool or was frustrated, that was not communicated to the club,” according to the article in The Athletic.