(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 15 April 2026 12:27, UK

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Liverpool are ready to reject any loan offers that come in for winger Rio Ngumoha this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 17-year-old has had to be patient to wait for his opportunities this term, but it is understood that the Reds have already earmarked him for a bigger role in 2026-27.

The Merseysiders have no intention of letting the starlet head out to gain experience, and sources say that they even held off on making a move for a new left-winger last summer with his development in mind.

Arne Slot has chosen to manage the youngster carefully so far, but there is an expectance that he will kick on and become a key figure next season.

Liverpool are facing a rebuild in some areas of their squad, and Ngumoha looks set to be part of the next generation that become genuine first-team options.

Arne Slot keen to nurture Rio Ngumoha

Slot has been under ever-increasing pressure at Liverpool of late, and one of the main things that has riled fans up in his management of Ngumoha so far.

The youngster has only started two Premier League games since the beginning of the season, and has faced limited opportunities to impress, despite wowing fans when he has been on the pitch.

There was a huge clamour from the supporters for the wideman to start in Tuesday night’s all-important Champions League clash with PSG, but Slot resisted the temptation to throw him in at the deep end.

The boss has had a clear plan to try and nurture Ngumoha to ensure that the pressure doesn’t build up on him too quickly, and he hasn’t deviated from that thinking at all of late.

His management of the young talent has prompted fears from some sections of the fanbase that Liverpool could lose Ngumoha before he truly reaches his potential.

However, it is clear that the Anfield outfit have no intention of that occurring, as they expect him to have a big season next term.

Young Liverpool defender also set for first-team chance

Football Insider revealed at the end of March that Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson is set to receive the chance to impress with the first team in pre-season, after a successful loan spell with Dundee United.

The right-back has performed well during his stint in the Scottish Premiership, to the point where both Celtic and Rangers are keen to try and strike a deal for him this summer.

However, his parent club aren’t looking to entertain that suggestion just yet, and will instead make a final decision on the 22-year-old after they have seen him in pre-season.

The Reds are well-stocked at right-back at the moment, but with Conor Bradley still several months away from a return, there could be a place available in next season’s squad.

Stephenson has had his third loan spell away from Anfield this season, and the time may finally be about to come for him to progress into the senior fold.