Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha signs first pro contract

Liverpool have confirmed that 17 year old winger Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the club, sealing the rapid rise of a player who has already made history for the Premier League champions. Ngumoha, who turned 17 on August 29, joined Liverpool from Chelsea last September and was awarded professional terms less than a month after his birthday, the club said on Thursday.

Liverpool did not disclose the financial details of the deal. Reports indicate the contract runs for three years, the maximum length allowed for a 17 year old under FA rules, and that the club operates a wage limit for players of that age. Media accounts differ over salary figures. Several outlets reported a first year rate around 52,000 pounds a year for a young professional at Anfield, while others noted the existence of performance bonuses and addenda that could substantially increase total earnings. Liverpool simply confirmed Ngumoha had committed his immediate future to the club.

Ngumoha has already made five senior appearances for Arne Slot’s side this season and has produced two high-profile milestones. He became Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer at 16 years and 361 days with a...