Chelsea have lost out on talented winger Rio Ngumoha, with the 16-year-old confirming he has signed for Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Rio Ngumoha, who played for Chelsea’s Under-21s as a 15-year-old, decided to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. The England youth international has now agreed a deal with Liverpool, where he will start his career with the club’s Under-18s.

Rio Ngumoha leaves Chelsea for Liverpool

According to The Athletic, the Premier League has approved the move, with Liverpool set to pay Chelsea around £800,000 in training fees. Ngumoha could make his debut for his new club against Blackburn Rovers next Saturday, having announced the move on Instagram with the caption: “Delighted to sign for Liverpool.”

Accordign to KeiferMacD, it’s believed Chelsea are furious with how Rio Ngumoha has been allowed to leave for what will be a nominal fee, although suggestions Liverpool have broken their wage structure to land the winger have been rubbished.

The 16-year-old arrived at Anfield with plenty of praise after being named player of the tournament as Chelsea’s Under-16s won the title last October. Ngumoha even trained with the Blues’ first team last season and scored two goals and provided two assists in nine games for England Under-16s.

Despite having been at Chelsea for several years, the teenager is said to be keen on a move to the club as Liverpool offer a clear pathway into the first team for younger talent. Chido Obi-Martin, who scored 32 goals in 18 games for Arsenal Under-18s, has also agreed a move to Manchester United.