Why Bayern Munich might want Rio Ngumoha and the stats behind Liverpool sensation's rise amid transfer speculation

Bayern Munich are exploring a move for Liverpool's teenage winger Rio Ngumoha, according to reports, in what would be one of the more surprising moves of the 2026 summer transfer window.

The Bundesliga champions are looking to bring in another wide forward this summer and had pushed to land Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

However, the Bavarian giants missed out on the England international, who instead completed a switch to La Liga champions Barcelona.

Vincent Kompany's men desperately need an alternative for Luis Diaz on the left flank. The Colombian thrived in his debut season at the Allianz Arena, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists.

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Diaz, though, turns 30 in January, while a lack of cover and competition for the former Liverpool star could come back to haunt the German giants.

In fact, one of the reasons Liverpool did not actively pursue a move for a replacement for Diaz was that, according to The Athletic, they did not want to block Ngumoha's path to the first team.

‘Very exciting and talented’ – TNT panel on Ngumoha development at Liverpool

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ngumoha went on to make 19 league appearances for Liverpool last season, five of which were from the outset. The PFA Young Player of the Year nominee has been earmarked as one for the future.

It's for that reason that Liverpool aren't prepared to entertain offers for the 17-year-old, who is currently with the England training camp in Miami before the 2026 World Cup.

However, Bayern's interest in Ngumoha should not come as a surprise.

Ngumoha may have registered just 551 minutes of Premier League action last season but he was a creative force to be reckoned with when given the chance by former head coach Arne Slot.

Indeed, 2.6 chances created per 90 was actually the fourth highest in the Premier League last season, with Bruno Fernandes (4), Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku (both 3) those to rank ahead of Ngumoha.

Premier League 25/26 (min. 500 minutes)	Minutes played	Chances created per 90
Bruno Fernandes	3066	4.0
Rayan Cherki	1786	3.0
Jeremy Doku	1784	3.0
Rio Ngumoha	551	2.6
Martin Odegaard	1370	2.6

Stats courtesy of Opta

"Special because if you're 17 years old and you can impact two Premier League sides facing each other, then that tells you how good of a player he is," Slot said of Ngumoha following Liverpool's 3-1 Emirates FA Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers back in March.

Ngumoha did not directly contribute to a goal in the Molineux victory but he was influential up until his 69th-minute withdrawal as The Reds eased into the next round.

How would he fit in at Bayern?

Given the style of play, Ngumoha is an archetypal modern-day winger. He's an explosive, direct forward who looks to cut inside from the left onto his favoured right foot.

Given the importance of overlapping full-backs to stretch opponents and provide an additional attacking outlet, this approach is ideal for sides that implement such a system.

Bayern Munich fit that criteria. Kompany favours a 4-2-3-1 setup as Diaz cuts inside from the left. Nine of his 15 league goals were with his right foot.

With Harry Kane given the freedom to drift across the pitch, this opens up space for his attacking team-mates to exploit, which both Diaz and right-winger Michael Olise do so impressively.

Premier League 25/26 (min. 500 minutes)	Minutes played	Attempted dribbles per 90
Kevin	1037	8.2
Jeremy Doku	1784	8.2
Estevao	845	8.0
Rio Ngumoha	551	7.4
Brajan Gruda	715	7.1

Stats courtesy of Opta

And given he attempted 7.4 dribbles per 90, a return that ranked fourth in the Premier League last season, Ngumoha's willingness to get the ball down and drive at opponents is a quality that appeals to Bayern.

After all, Bayern attempted 21.2 dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga in the 2025/26 season, the second-highest return in the division.

‘Exceptional performance’ – Owen, Lescott hail Ngumoha’s display in FA Cup win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Prising him away from Liverpool will be easier said than done, however.

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola will want to vet the squad before any personnel decisions are made and the chances are high that he will want to retain Ngumoha's services.

He has an incredibly high ceiling and, having started Liverpool's final three games of the season, it's a clear indication that next season could really be a breakout one for Ngumoha.

And for Bayern? Well, Plan A fell through. Plan B is unlikely to come to fruition. It's back to the drawing board for the Bavarian bruisers as they seek to sign a new winger.

For now, it looks as though Ngumoha will not follow Diaz to Bavaria.

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