Charlie Adam has hailed Rio Ngumoha as a bargain signing after the Liverpool teenager starred with two assists in the Reds' 4-3 Champions League win against Villarreal

Charlie Adam has lavished praise on Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, hailing his transfer fee as an absolute "bargain."

The former Liverpool midfielder also weighed in on the teenager's prospects of filling Mohamed Salah's boots on the Reds' right flank. Despite a few early hiccups, Andoni Iraola's inaugural campaign at Anfield is progressing well, with Ngumoha, 18, earning considerable playing time throughout. Liverpool secured Ngumoha's signature in 2024 following his departure from Chelsea's academy.

Given that he was just 16 at the time, no standard transfer fee was negotiated, and the Premier League sanctioned the move, with a Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) tribunal determining that the Reds pay an initial £2.8 million ($3.7 million) in compensation, rising to £6.8 million ($9.1 million) with add-ons.

Since his arrival, Ngumoha has emerged as a genuine hidden treasure. During last season's campaign under Arne Slot, he enjoyed a breakthrough year, netting his first goal in August — a dramatic 100th-minute stoppage-time winner against Newcastle — while accumulating four starts and 15 substitute appearances.

This season, he has featured in five top-flight matches, and on Tuesday played a decisive role in Liverpool's thrilling 4-3 Champions League triumph over Villarreal, dazzling down the right flank and registering two assists.

Adam, who made 37 appearances for Liverpool during his brief spell at the club, has shared his thoughts on Ngumoha's compensation fee and his potential to step into the void left by the departed Salah.

You can listen to brand new episodes of In The Mixer on and Apple Podcasts

Speaking on In The Mixer, Adam said: "We talk about not hyping him up, but why not? I look at that £6.8M or £7M now from Chelsea in terms of the transfer fee — it's a bargain, isn't it?

"He's a young kid that I've watched for a couple of years now. I feel he was better off the left, but now he's been able to get that position on the right-hand side... He'll never replace Mo Salah. Nobody will ever replace Mo Salah.

"I think that was probably the first half of the season here, where Liverpool think, 'What about Mo Salah?' But he's gone. You need to move on, and you need to move on quickly. The boy has got talent. Ultimately, it's just about finding the right moment.

"We use young players like [Max] Dowman at Arsenal, Ngumoha, we have to use these young players at the right time and in the right moments. It was a special occasion [against Villarreal]."

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor joined Adam in the studio, and he reckons the teenager will only get better as he learns from each game he plays.

"Ngumoha has got a lot to learn," Agbonlahor said. "But when you break through at a young age, you learn from every game, 'Should I pass? Should I do a one-two? When is it time to take a player on?' He'll learn all that, every game."