Arne Slot Locked in ‘Fierce Dispute’ With Liverpool Sporting Director Over Rio Ngumoha

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is reportedly locked in a tense disagreement with sporting director Richard Hughes over the long-term plans for highly rated teenager Rio Ngumoha.

Since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha has been widely viewed inside the club as a potential star in the making. The 17-year-old quickly became a key figure in Liverpool’s youth sides before earning a first-team training call-up in the autumn. He went on to make his senior debut on 11 January 2025, featuring in the Reds’ 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley.

Despite that promising breakthrough, Ngumoha has managed only nine further appearances, prompting speculation about his pathway and future at Liverpool given his limited minutes.

According to reports, those concerns have now sparked a heated standoff between Slot and Hughes. The situation dates back to last summer, when Liverpool sold Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million. In the aftermath, the Reds were linked with several attacking reinforcements but ultimately focused on strengthening centrally, completing deals for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Anfield Watch claims this approach did not align with Slot’s vision, with the Dutchman pushing for the club to sign a wide attacker such as Bradley Barcola or Malick Fofana. Hughes and the recruitment department, however, were keen for Slot to place greater trust in Ngumoha, believing his standout pre-season performances justified a more prominent first-team role.