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Liverpool is set for a financial battle with Chelsea after signing Rio Ngumoha from the Blues last year, with the Premier League expected to step in.
The 16-year-old etched his name into the record books as the fourth youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and the Reds' youngest ever when he found the net in the 100th minute to seal a dramatic triumph for Liverpool at Newcastle on Monday. Ngumoha entered the fray as a late substitute and produced a superb strike to secure all three points.
Last year, the prodigy departed Chelsea for Anfield in a controversial switch, with the London outfit convinced it had surrendered a generational talent - and Ngumoha is already vindicating the club's concerns.
The Daily Mail reports that a tribunal was scheduled to determine a fee, but nearly a year following the transfer, the Premier League is still to reach a verdict.
Nevertheless, Chelsea is confident that Ngumoha's outstanding display on Monday will bolster its argument for compensation. And the wonderkid's remarkable showings for Liverpool could increase any sum the Reds must pay their competitors, with his "playing record and achievements" influencing the final amount.
A benchmark was established several years ago when Liverpool paid around $6 million to Fulham after acquiring Harvey Elliott, who has subsequently established himself as a first-team stalwart, from the London club's academy in a case that also proceeded to a tribunal.
The FA's website outlines several criteria that a tribunal may consider when making a decision, including: "The status of each club; the age of the player; the amount of any transfer fee paid by the former club on acquisition of the player and the length of time the former club has held the player's registration."
Additionally, the tribunal may take into account "the terms of the new contract offered to the player by each club; the training and development of the player at the former club (specialist coaching, education, welfare); and the player's playing record and achievements."
Other considerations include "substantiated interest shown in the player by other clubs; other costs incurred by the former club directly or indirectly attributable to the training and development of the player, including any relevant medical or rehabilitation costs; and attempts made to reach an agreement concerning the amount of compensation due."
Despite satisfying the Premier League's five-step procedure in its successful pursuit of Ngumoha, Liverpool's actions have done little to soothe the ruffled feathers at Chelsea.
The Blues were reportedly so irate that they banned Liverpool's youth scouts from attending academy fixtures.
Ngumoha's impressive performance in 2023, when he was named player of the tournament as Chelsea's U16s clinched the national title, undoubtedly caught the eye of many top clubs. Now, it seems Liverpool is set to reap the benefits.
Arne Slot, recognizing the talent of his young player, had already hinted at first-team action for him this season. After Monday's spectacular performance, the Liverpool manager commented: "It's, of course, special for him to score a goal in a moment like this."
The transfer of academy talents among England's top clubs is not uncommon. Last season, sought-after striker Chido Obi-Martin turned down the chance to sign his first professional contract with Arsenal, choosing instead to advance his career at Manchester United.
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