Liverpool teenager and Arsenal defender signs contract extensions

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the Premier League champions, marking a major step in his rapid rise through English football. 

The 17-year-old forward has already enjoyed a breakthrough season at Anfield, having scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on his Premier League debut last month.

Ngumoha, who left Chelsea’s academy to join Liverpool in September 2024, has since made five senior appearances across competitions. 

In January, he set a new club record by becoming the youngest player to start a match for the Reds at just 16 years and 135 days old during an FA Cup victory over Accrington. 

He has also been trusted on the European stage, featuring in the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

The teenager’s decision to join Liverpool came after he turned down multiple contract offers from Chelsea. 

Despite being considered the best player of his age group at the London club, Ngumoha believed his pathway to first-team football would be clearer on Merseyside. 

His performances in pre-season under manager Arne Slot, including goals against Athletic Club and Yokohama F. Marinos and an assist versus AC Milan, further cemented his reputation as a rising star.

Ngumoha has also impressed at international level, representing England across junior age groups and recently making his debut for the under-19s on 3 September. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal have secured the long-term future of one of their key defensive figures, with France international William Saliba agreeing a new five-year contract. 

The 24-year-old centre-back, who has been central to Mikel Arteta’s side since 2022, will now remain at the Emirates until 2030, extending his stay well beyond his original deal, which was due to expire in 2027.

Saliba’s form had previously drawn interest from Real Madrid, but his commitment is a boost for Arsenal as they pursue both Premier League and Champions League success. 

Since joining from Saint-Etienne in 2019, Saliba has developed into one of Europe’s most reliable defenders, making 137 appearances for the Gunners and forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. 

His new deal follows Gabriel’s contract extension earlier this summer, ensuring Arteta has his first-choice central pairing secured for years to come.