Bayern want Rio Ngumoha but he has already said no

Andoni Iraola has been Liverpool manager for just three days but has already been confronted with his first significant transfer challenge, as Bayern Munich identify one of the club’s most exciting young players, Rio Ngumoha, as a summer target while the Reds simultaneously close in on a new wide option to replace Mohamed Salah.

Iraola was officially appointed earlier this week following the club’s decision to part ways with Arne Slot after a fifth-place Premier League finish that represented a dramatic fall from the previous season’s title triumph. The Spaniard now takes over planning for a summer window that Slot had already begun work on, with Liverpool needing significant investment across several positions to return to title contention under their new manager.

Bayern Munich target Liverpool teenager after breakout season

The Athletic report that Bayern Munich have identified Rio Ngumoha as an ideal addition to their forward line this summer, with the 17-year-old having had a remarkable breakout season at Anfield. No contact has been made between the two clubs yet, and Ngumoha is aware of Bayern’s interest. However, Liverpool supporters will feel reassured by the teenager’s own words on the matter.

After scoring the opener in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Fulham in April, a goal that made him the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer, Ngumoha was unambiguous when he spoke to Sky Sports. “Liverpool, for me, is the biggest club in the world,” he said. “To start so young and the manager having belief in me and all the players, it’s great. So I’ve got to keep working hard and keep pushing on and just go again.”

The teenager’s comments suggest he has no desire to leave a club where he has just broken a historic record and where Iraola’s fast-paced pressing style of football is expected to suit his profile perfectly. Bayern’s interest is serious but the player’s loyalty to Liverpool appears genuine.

Liverpool closing in on Francisco Trincao to replace Mohamed Salah

While the Ngumoha situation is one Iraola will hope to manage swiftly, the more pressing business is finding a wide player to replace Salah. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig has been the primary target, but Liverpool may now move in a different direction. According to Record in Portugal, Liverpool are the club closest to signing Sporting CP forward Francisco Trincao by triggering his £50 million release clause this summer. The outlet reports that the club need to sell assets before completing any incoming business.

Trincao, 26, is a familiar name in English football having spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he managed two goals in 28 Premier League appearances. That spell was underwhelming, but what followed at Sporting CP tells a very different story. Since joining the Portuguese club permanently in 2023, he has contributed 47 goals and 51 assists across 208 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most productive wide forwards in Portuguese football. He is also part of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad this summer, where his form and fitness in North America will provide Liverpool with an extended audition ahead of any potential deal.