Chelsea are locked in a heated dispute with Liverpool over compensation for teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha, with the Premier League expected to step in as the saga drags on.
Ngumoha, just 16, underlined his growing reputation on Monday when he struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Newcastle, becoming the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history.
His late cameo and composed finish sealed all three points for the Reds and added weight to Chelsea’s frustration at losing him.
The winger controversially swapped Stamford Bridge for Anfield last year, a move that Chelsea insiders felt robbed them of a once-in-a-generation academy talent.
While a tribunal was arranged to decide on a fee, no final verdict has been delivered nearly 12 months later—leaving tensions between both clubs unresolved.
Chelsea argue that Ngumoha’s breakthrough performance strengthens their case for substantial compensation, pointing to past precedents. Liverpool previously paid Fulham around £4.3m after signing Harvey Elliott in a similar tribunal-led case, with the youngster later establishing himself in the Reds’ senior squad.
Although Liverpool’s acquisition of Ngumoha cleared the Premier League’s five-step approval process, the manner of the switch left Chelsea seething.
Their frustration reportedly ran so deep that they barred Liverpool’s youth scouts from attending academy fixtures.
Ngumoha, who was crowned Player of the Tournament when Chelsea’s Under-16s won the national title in 2023, had already caught the attention of elite clubs before his move. Now, it is Liverpool reaping the rewards, while Chelsea fight for financial redress.
