Liverpool Starlet Rio Ngumoha Signs Pro Deal — But Still Barred from First-Team Dressing Room

Seventeen-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha has officially penned his first professional contract with Liverpool, but there’s a surprising twist — he still isn’t allowed in the senior dressing room.

The forward, who swapped Chelsea for Anfield in 2024, has already made an impressive breakthrough at senior level. His highlights include a dramatic 100th-minute winner at Newcastle and a role in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

So why the restriction? It isn’t down to discipline or a club decision. Instead, it’s a matter of FA safeguarding rules. Current regulations forbid players under 18 — classed as minors — from sharing changing facilities with adults, regardless of their involvement with the first team.

That means Ngumoha, despite his growing list of achievements, must wait until his 18th birthday before he’s allowed to fully integrate behind the scenes.

For now, the teenager continues to build an impressive résumé, already claiming the titles of Liverpool’s youngest European debutant and goalscorer. His future at Anfield looks incredibly bright — even if the dressing room door remains temporarily closed.