Liverpool plan for Rio Ngumoha as new signing finally ready for debut before Milan trip

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot may have enjoyed a perfect start to his reign at Anfield. But matters elsewhere with the Reds haven't quite been as straightforward so far this season.

At the Academy, the under-21 side have had a mixed opening to the campaign with a good win over Manchester City in their Premier League 2 opener followed by heavy defeats in the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy. The U18s, meanwhile, have had a tough time and are still seeking a first competitive win of the campaign.

As ever, the ECHO brings you all the latest off-diary titbits in the Liverpool FC Notebook.

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Ngumoha ready for debut

While Liverpool were quiet during the summer transfer window regards first-team arrivals, the recruitment team at the Academy were able to bring in two highly-rated players from other Premier League clubs.

The most high profile was 16-year-old midfielder Rio Ngumoha, who has been snapped up from Chelsea. Although a deal was agreed earlier this summer, both the player and Liverpool were required to negotiate the rigorous five-stage process before the switch could be ratified by the Premier League.

That was completed earlier this month, with Ngumoha then making an instant impression when among a large number of Academy youngsters who trained with the few first-team players who weren't on international duty at the start of this week.

The teenager is expected to spend much of his time with the under-21s under the watchful eye of Barry Lewtas. However, Ngumoha's first competitive minutes as a Liverpool player are expected to come today with the under-18s, with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side taking on Blackburn Rovers in the U18 Premier League North at Kirkby (kick-off 11am).

Alvin Ayman, the other main summer signing for the Academy when arriving from Wolves, featured in a friendly last weekend and is also likely to make his Reds bow in the fixture.

Europe beckons for youngsters

The excitement at Liverpool being back in the Champions League has overshadowed the similar enthusiasm of the subsequent return to the UEFA Youth League for the Academy after the absence of a season.

The Reds have progressed beyond the group stage on each previous occasion they have competed, but have never managed to go beyond the quarter-finals.

And with the tournament mirroring the revamped Champions League in the opening stage, it means a Liverpool U19 side will have a guaranteed extra two fixtures in which to challenge themselves against leading European opposition.

That starts early on Tuesday afternoon with a clash against AC Milan at the Centro Sportivo Vismara, a half-hour drive out from the centre of the city.

When Liverpool were last there in December 2021, a team that included Jarell Quansah and Stefan Bajcetic earned a 1-1 draw. The Reds ended up losing at Juventus in the last eight.

Jayden Danns, the 18-year-old striker currently recovering from injury, is the most recognisable of the players eligible for Liverpool in this season's competition, with 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni also able to play along with newcomers Ngumoha and Ayman.

Goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, defenders Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington and attackers Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty are also among those available.