Liverpool have been ordered to pay Chelsea a major compensation fee after the Premier League tribunal ruled on the transfer of teenage winger Rio Ngumoha.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy in September 2024 when he was just 16, but the two clubs failed to agree on a compensation package, forcing the case to be decided by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.
The ruling means Liverpool must pay Chelsea an initial guaranteed fee of £2.8 million, with performance-related add-ons that could push the total figure up to £6.8 million depending on Ngumoha’s progress at Anfield. Chelsea have also secured a 20% sell-on clause on any future profit Liverpool make if the youngster is sold later.
The decision is being viewed as one of the biggest compensation payments for an academy player in English football, underlining how valuable elite youth talents have become and how serious clubs are about protecting their academy investments.
Ngumoha is considered one of the most exciting young players of his age group and has already made a rapid rise at Liverpool, which is why the final amount could become even higher if he continues hitting key milestones such as first-team appearances, contract upgrades, and international recognition.
The case has sparked fresh debate across English football about youth transfers, academy poaching, and whether compensation rules are enough to stop top clubs from taking the best talents from rivals.