Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has weighed in on the tribunal process concerning Rio Ngumoha’s transfer from Chelsea to Liverpool – and he doesn’t believe the outcome is fair.
The 17-year-old forward, who came through Chelsea’s youth ranks before switching to Anfield last summer, made headlines with a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Newcastle United on his Premier League debut. His instant impact has already turned plenty of heads across the footballing world.
But behind the scenes, Liverpool could be asked to pay Chelsea around £5 million in compensation, with the tribunal expected to deliver its decision soon. For Wyness, however, that figure feels like little more than “a slap on the wrist.”
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness argued that the system unfairly punishes clubs who invest years into developing academy talent, only to lose them for relatively small sums.
> “I’ve been through these tribunals myself, on both sides,” he explained. “The way it stands isn’t right. A one-off fee of £4–5m doesn’t truly reflect the work that goes into producing players like Ngumoha. A more effective solution would be giving the original club a sell-on clause or share of future transfers. That would better protect the academies and acknowledge their contribution.”
Ngumoha had spent eight years in Chelsea’s setup before leaving Stamford Bridge after contract talks broke down. Wyness added that unless tribunals are given more authority, bigger clubs will continue to lure away academy stars with lucrative offers, sometimes even extending to incentives for families.
> “It’s a growing problem,” he said. “Parents are being tempted with things like houses and cars. Unless tribunals impose stronger measures, clubs working hard to develop young talent will keep losing out.”
For Liverpool, though, the expected fine is unlikely to cause any real frustration – especially with Ngumoha already making waves at Anfield.
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Separate from Ngumoha: Liverpool Eye Guehi Move
While the Ngumoha saga unfolds, Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. A deadline-day switch fell through after Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to quit if his defender was sold without a replacement.
The Reds are prepared to wait, with insiders suggesting Guehi could be available for around £25m in January. If not, Liverpool may bide their time until the England international becomes a free agent next summer.
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⚽ What’s your take – should tribunals give selling clubs a bigger cut when academy players move, or is Liverpool right to see this as smart business?
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