Liverpool are edging towards the transfer deadline without any hope of incoming business.
The Reds have had a disappointing window, only managing to get two first-team deals over the line, one of which involves a player who won’t arrive for another year.
Nevertheless, this summer did also represent another step forward in Liverpool’s plan of scooping up some of the best young talent around the country.
The Reds have made a habit of bolstering their own academy with smart signings over recent years and this time is no different.
And while the mood may be slightly sour at the lack of new faces at the AXA Training Centre this summer, Liverpool may well have done some important deals for the future all the same.
Liverpool still on course for Rio Ngumoha signing
Liverpool clearly have a long-term strategy when it comes to the academy. And, obviously, that plan is working.
The Reds have added so much talent over recent years from rival clubs in England and in Scotland.
Some players, like Harvey Elliott, will blossom into first-team players, others, such as Bobby Clark, will be brought in for small fees and sold at big profit.
For all of them, though, there is a clear pathway to the senior team and a plan for them to have careers in the game, either at Liverpool or beyond.
This summer has been no different. Liverpool signed Alvin Ayman from Wolves for around £2m in what looks like an exciting deal.
But if Ayman was a coup, then the capture of Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea looks like being a potentially massive piece of business.
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Liverpool moved to sign Ngumoha back in July but with almost two months in between, there has still been no official announcement of the addition.
When asked what the current situation is on the Blood Red: Liverpool FC podcast, journalist Paul Gorst said that things were still on track with the 16-year-old and academy staff were thrilled to welcome him in.
“I asked someone about that last week,” said Gorst. “He’s going through the Premier League five step registration thing apparently and that takes a little bit of time, but no concerns or issues.
“He will be part of the academy set up in the next two weeks. He will be a Liverpool player and one who academy staff are massively excited about.”
Exciting season ahead for the Liverpool academy
It has now become a little bit of a tradition each summer that Liverpool will raid a rival academy to pick up a gem or two.
This time, there is potential that they have just added the jewel in their crown in that respect.
Obviously, there should not be too much pressure put on the young shoulders of Ngumoha, but if he’s as good as staff seem to think, then he’s going to be special.
The teenager will come into a well-worn pathway that has seen attackers like Ben Doak and Trent Kone-Doherty quickly rise through the ranks over recent seasons.
If you’re tuning in to see the academy this season, then keep your eyes peeled for Ngumoha.
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