footballExpress newspaper30/07/2025 22:19Chelsea legend John Terry has reacted to the departure of promising talent Rio Ngumoha to direct rivals Liverpool, highlighting the exceptional qualities of the 16-year-old who is shining with the Anfield team.On Wednesday afternoon, Liverpool concluded their international pre-season tour with a 3-1 victory over Japanese side Yokohama F.

Marinos at the Nissan Stadium.The debuts of new signings Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez caught the attention of fans, but another name that shone was teenager Rio Ngumoha, who scored Liverpool’s third goal and once again confirmed his rare talent.After the match, John Terry’s old comments about Ngumoha have resurfaced on social media, showing that the Chelsea legend had predicted the talent’s rapid rise from the start.Ngumoha, who came through Chelsea’s academy, joined Liverpool last summer.

After some impressive performances for the Reds’ Under-18s, he received his first call-up to the first team in December 2024, being on the bench for the EFL Cup tie against Southampton.While Liverpool fans are gradually realising just how special this player is, John Terry had given his verdict much earlier.

Commenting on a post by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who had confirmed Ngumoha’s move to Liverpool, Terry wrote:”This boy is and will become a great player.”Terry, who was a coach at Chelsea’s academy, had worked closely with Ngumoha and was aware of his incredible potential.

Less than a year later, it seems the young talent is justifying his faith: in Liverpool’s four pre-season games, Ngumoha has scored two goals and provided one assist.Ngumoha will turn 17 in September, and it is expected that his good form will be rewarded with his first professional contract – which is expected to keep him at Anfield for at least another three years.With Luis Diaz leaving for Bayern Munich for a fee believed to be around £65.5m including bonuses, it is expected that Ngumoha will have more first-team opportunities next season.

Reds fans are already eagerly awaiting the young star’s future on the pitch.

/GazetaExpress/