In securing Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in 2024 - an English winger who was 15 years old at the time - the Reds now appear to have one of the world's most exciting attacking talents at the club.The recru...
In securing Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in 2024 - an English winger who was 15 years old at the time - the Reds now appear to have one of the world's most exciting attacking talents at the club.
The recruitment team had researched his game and looked at the underlying numbers behind his performances in the youth teams he was in, and the gamble was taken on his future potential.
Now, just over a year on, Ngumoha is in Liverpool's first-team squad, playing in the Premier League and Champions League at 17 years old. He's a player who's earmarked to be generational in future.
Bold transfer calls on young players have made a huge difference to the club over the last few years and if the potential is clear from a young age, then the Reds won't think twice about signing them.
'Malian Messi' on the market
According to Graeme Bailey at Rousing the Kop, the Reds might have another wonderkid in their sights to following in Ngumoha's footsteps, with the club feeling optimistic about their chances.
Shop the LFC Store
LFC x adidas
LFC x adidas
LFC x adidas
Shop the goalkeeper range today
LFC x adidas Third Kit
Shop the third kit range today!
In the report, it said: "Liverpool are tracking Mali U17 international Aboubacar Maiga ahead of a possible move. Maiga emerged as one of the biggest talents in Africa over recent months and the Reds are understood to have been alerted to his potential.
"Sources have confirmed to RTK that the 17-year-old's club, Malian side Africa Foot, have a first refusal agreement in place with Barcelona over Maiga. However, it is understood that a deal has been struck on the club side only, with Maiga himself still free to choose his next step.
"And while Barca are in a strong position, Liverpool are understood to be towards the front of the queue should Maiga choose an alternate path. The Reds are not alone in jostling for place, however, with BlueCo, the City Group, and Red Bull clubs all holding and interest in the teenager."
Certain scouts have brandished the attacking midfielder as the 'Malian Messi', which is a big name to be linked with, but it just showcases how talented they think the player is. Similar compliments were paid to Ngumoha before he joined the Reds as well, so the club is certainly on the right track here.
The interest comes with Maiga participating in the African U17 Championships with Mali right now, and representatives from the club are said to be looking intently at the rumours coming out of Asia, South America and Africa regarding young players. The U20 World Cup has also recently started.
So while a lot of these players can't commit to contracts until they turn 18 and the transfer window is not open until January, a lot of working is being put in by the recruitment team behind the scenes.
Category: General Sports
