Rio Ngumoha ready to end Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool career after star display vs Fulham
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Credit: Imago Sat 11 April 2026 22:00, UK Rio Ngumoha just proved to Liverpool supporters that he’s capable of exactly what they’ve been expecting from him this season.The 17-year-old netted for the first time since his buzzer-beating goal against Newcastle United back in August, having been afforded very little game time over the course of the 2025-26 season.His lack of minutes could be about to change drastically during the final games of the campaign, and that might come as a huge blow to Cody Gakpo, who has failed to win the fans’ hearts recently.Liverpool’s transfer plans have been mixed up by the impending departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, and the Reds’ No.18 might be about to be added to that list. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Rio Nguhoma is ready for a bigger role at LiverpoolNguhoma was absolutely fearless at Anfield this weekend, immediately causing problems by driving into Fulham’s penalty area, but had his call for a spot-kick waved away by Anthony Taylor.Refusing to let the missed opportunity get him down, just minutes later, the club’s academy graduate fired home a sensational opener and became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer at Anfield.His featuring in the lineup, however, did mean a slightly different role for Gakpo, who played through the middle, with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak both on the bench.Rio NgumohavsCody Gakpo69Minutes played901 | 0Goals | Assists0 | 12Chances created1100% (2/2)Shot accuracy0% (0/4)50% (1/2)Successful dribbles100% (1/1)5Recoveries340% (2/5)Ground duels won56% (5/9)Stats as per FotMobOnce the starters return to the lineup, though, there is a tough decision to be made on the flank.
Ngumoha is a star for the future, and it’s about time Slot starts treating him as such.Ngumoha’s future could lie away from AnfieldArne Slot’s treatment of the teenager has been pretty baffling, and the Dutchman is catching a lot of flak for his lack of minutes across all competitions this season.Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool could accept an offer for Ngumoha, with many believing that his development could flop under the Dutchman’s leadership.Gakpo’s departure in the summer would certainly change the situation, with Federico Chiesa already struggling for minutes, so Ngumoha would naturally become a first-choice at Anfield.A change of manager could also be a positive for the talented teenager, and given the amount of pressure that Slot is currently under, it may not be long until he has a new figure looking out for him. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.