Ngumoha Impresses Liverpool as Johnson Urges Anfield Stay

Rio Ngumoha's growing influence at Liverpool has strengthened former defender Glen Johnson's belief that the teenager should remain at Anfield rather than consider a move to Bayern Munich. The 18-year-old helped Liverpool secure a 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after entering the match with his team trailing 1-0.

According to Liverpool Echo, Bayern Munich showed tentative interest in Ngumoha during the summer transfer window. The winger, who turned 18 on August 29, has yet to sign the new contract anticipated following his birthday, while his existing agreement, signed when he was 17, runs until 2028.

Ngumoha entered the Brentford match in the 52nd minute, replacing Jeremie Frimpong. Brentford were already down to 10 players following Yehor Yarmoliuk's red card, and Liverpool subsequently turned the score around through goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the match, Ngumoha described the contest as a demanding test of Liverpool's resilience.

"For everyone watching, it was very up and down. But these games you kind of live for really and to get the three points just shows how strong the mentality is in the team. It's definitely tough but I think if you just have come into the game in the right mindframe, thinking I can impact the game, then you can probably do whatever. I knew the game was going to be tough, Brentford away is never easy, and I just wanted to get stuck in and help the team get the win, and thankfully we did that," Ngumoha said.

The appearance was his eighth of the season, with the young forward again operating on the right wing. His increasing comfort in that position follows international experience with England and further opportunities to develop his versatility.

"I think I've got a lot better on the right from the Newcastle game to now. I think I'm understanding more as well. I think definitely going away with England as well helped me a lot. I like playing on both sides now as well and it gives me another tool in the toolbox, so it's good," Ngumoha said.

Ngumoha also highlighted the importance of making the most of opportunities as Liverpool navigate a crowded fixture schedule. He had started the Champions League victory at LASK earlier in the week alongside fellow youngsters Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas, with all three subsequently featuring as substitutes against Brentford.

"I think the game schedule is so many games and I think whatever opportunities – whether it's starting, coming on – we just have to take it. All of us are doing that – me, Trey, Koumas – so we've just got to keep going and keep staying on the right track," Ngumoha said.

Johnson, who made 200 appearances for Liverpool between 2009 and 2015, believes the club offers Ngumoha an appropriate environment to continue his development despite interest from another major European side.

"Bayern Munich is obviously a fantastic club and side, and big credit to Rio Ngumoha that he has interest from such a big club, but I don't think he has to be looking anywhere near that," Johnson said.

The former England right-back argued that Ngumoha is already receiving opportunities at Liverpool and that leaving would be unnecessary while his progress continues. He also acknowledged that players who struggle for regular playing time can have different reasons for considering moves abroad.

"He is at a fantastic club where he is playing and doing really well. There is no need to change that and Liverpool don't want to let him go," Johnson said.

Johnson added that Ngumoha's performances have attracted attention because of his potential, while Liverpool have an interest in retaining a young player who is progressing within the first team.

"Obviously when you are playing like he does, all the top clubs will want him, but I don't think that's even an option. Liverpool wouldn't want to let him go because he is one of their best players," Johnson said.

The former defender contrasted Ngumoha's position with that of young players who move abroad because they cannot secure enough minutes at their current clubs. In his view, the teenager is approaching a stage where he can challenge for a regular starting place.

"If he wasn't playing, you would totally understand why he would want to go, especially because we are seeing more and more English players going abroad, which is working really well for them. So, for players who aren't getting the minutes, I can understand it, but Rio is banging on the door almost being at a point where he should be starting every week, so I don't think he should move anywhere. As long as he keeps learning and improving, then he can go to the very top. He doesn't look like the kid who just wants to be a flash in the pan," Johnson said.

Johnson also pointed to Ngumoha's work ethic and professionalism as reasons to believe his early breakthrough can lead to sustained progress. The former Liverpool defender noted that some young players struggle to maintain their momentum after attracting attention early in their careers.

"We have seen loads of players who have burst onto the scene and then disappeared in a year and you would never hear from them again. He doesn't look like he is like that, he is a good professional and he works really hard. He isn't arrogant at all," Johnson said.

Ngumoha's contract situation remains unresolved, with his existing Liverpool deal running until 2028. His representatives are handling the matter, he said after the Brentford victory, as the teenager continues to pursue opportunities with the first team.