Two of the Premier League’s brightest teenage sensations, Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, could find themselves caught up in Champions League registration complications as Europe’s elite competition looms.
The new season has already showcased just how fearless young players can be. Arsenal’s Dowman dazzled with a penalty-winning cameo in a 5-0 demolition of Leeds, while Liverpool’s Ngumoha, at only 16 years old, stole the headlines by scoring a dramatic late winner against Newcastle in a thrilling 3-2 clash.
But despite their breakthrough moments, both may hit a bump in the road when it comes to UEFA’s squad registration rules.
⚖️ The Rule Twist
UEFA regulations require clubs to submit squads in two categories — List A and List B. While there’s no age limit, the key factor is whether a player qualifies as “locally trained.” That means having spent at least three full seasons between ages 15 and 21 at their club or within the same football association.
Since neither Dowman nor Ngumoha meets the criteria yet, they cannot be placed on List B. If registered on List A, they’d count as non-locally trained players, reducing the limited slots Arsenal and Liverpool can allocate in their squads.
🔥 What This Means
At Arsenal, Dowman is pushing for more minutes, especially with Bukayo Saka sidelined, putting him in direct competition with Noni Madueke.
Over at Liverpool, Ngumoha benefits from Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich, leaving Cody Gakpo as his main rival for the left-wing role.
⚡ The Verdict
Despite these technical obstacles, it seems inevitable that both will find a way into their clubs’ Champions League setups. Their quality and rapid adaptation to senior football make them hard to ignore.
With just one league appearance each so far — Dowman providing an assist and Ngumoha already on the scoresheet — these teenagers are proving they’re ready to be trusted at the very top.
👉 Arsenal and Liverpool fans may soon witness two generational prospects becoming Champions League stars sooner than anyone expected.
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