Charlie Adam has heaped praise on Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, hailing his “bargain” transfer fee. The Scot also discussed the youngster’s attempts to replace Mohamed Salah on the Reds’ right wing.

Despite a few setbacks, Andoni Iraola’s first season in command at Anfield is going well. And 18-year-old Ngumoha has been given plenty of minutes.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool in 2024 after leaving Chelsea’s academy. Because he was 16, no conventional transfer fee was agreed, and the Premier League validated the sale, with a Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) tribunal determining that the Reds must pay.

Ngumoha has since become an uncovered gem. Last season, under Arne Slot, he had a breakout season, scoring his first goal in August (a 100th-minute stoppage-time winner against Newcastle) and making four starts and 15 substitute appearances.

He has played five top-flight games this season and was instrumental in Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal on Tuesday evening. The teenager was a joy on the right, contributing two assists.

Adam, who played 37 games for Liverpool during his brief tenure, has now spoken out regarding Ngumoha’s compensation amount and the possibility of him being the star to replace the departing Salah.

Adam stated on In The Mixer: “We speak about not hype him up, but why not? The transfer cost of £6.8m or £7m from Chelsea seems like a good deal. I’ve been watching him for a few years. He was better off the left, but now he can play on the right side. However, he will never be a replacement for Mo Salah.