Chelsea fought hard to keep Rio Ngumoha but they may eventually look back on his departure as one of their biggest mistakes. The former Cobham youngster is already making an impression at both Liverpool and international level.

Ngumoha spent eight years at Chelsea before turning down multiple contract offers to join the Merseyside club. The Blues were desperate to keep him but the 18-year-old felt Anfield offered a clearer path to senior football.

His decision is already paying off, with the winger featuring regularly in the Champions League and earning a place in England’s squad for the November international break. Three Lions teammate Jarell Quansah has been hugely impressed by Ngumoha and believes he has the potential to reach the very top of world football.

Jarell Quansah makes huge Ballon d’Or claim about Rio Ngumoha

Jarell Quansah has seen Rio Ngumoha’s development first-hand since the pair began training together at Liverpool. The defender, also part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, believes Ngumoha could become one of the world’s best players.

“An outstanding talent is Rio Ngumoha,” Quansah told the BBC. “I trained a lot with him at Liverpool and he was very young when he came.

“He’s so sharp, so quick, and I think the first thing most lads said when he came here was that he’s so brave at doing his one-on-ones. Yeah, he is definitely someone who has the potential to be on that level.”

Chelsea will be particularly frustrated by how quickly the teenager is progressing after making considerable efforts to keep him. The Blues at least secured some financial protection following his departure.

A tribunal ruled in February 2026 that Liverpool must pay £2.8 million in guaranteed compensation, while performance-related add-ons could take the package to £6.8 million. Chelsea also negotiated a 20% sell-on clause.

That compensation could prove valuable, but it will be little consolation if Ngumoha fulfils his enormous potential. If Quansah’s prediction proves accurate, the Blues could be left wondering what might have been.