It has been a strange season for Liverpool, whose long-running Premier League title defense has been in tatters and they remain among the favorites to lift the FA Cup and Champions League.
That, at least, is a testament to the immense quality that permeates Arne Slot’s squad, but without the right balance and consistency during the business months of the campaign, Liverpool will fall flat.
While there is nothing sporting director Richard Hughes can do at the moment, he will be working to make more signings this summer, and will want to redress the balance.
Liverpool are on the way to new top prospects
Liverpool will be pushing for more big-money stars this summer. Jeremy Jacquet is already keen to strengthen Liverpool’s backline after a £51m deal with Rennes in January, and wingers are definitely needed.
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have fooled themselves, but Rio Ngumoha has been in the spotlight in recent games, emerging as one of Europe’s future stars this season.
The 17-year-old is Liverpool’s young striker, but Hughes and co are already eyeing a young right-back who could compete with Ngumoha as the Reds’ top talent.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Manchester United in opening negotiations for Benfica’s 18-year-old Daniel Banjaqui, who has played well under Jose Mourinho’s management this season.
The 17-year-old made his debut in December but is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising right-backs in Europe, and if he keeps it up, Liverpool, Arsenal and United will all be in the running for his signature this summer.
Why Liverpool should be the best Arsenal and Utd in the race
When you’re ready, you’re ready. The slot was reluctant to cover the young Ngumoha for many minutes; there is no question that he is among the most talented young players in Europe, but he can compete with someone like Banjaqui.
It took a while, but Rio has been outstanding in both of Liverpool’s recent games against Wolves, and this appearance could make the slot more open for young prospects like Banjaqui again.
|
Rio Ngumoha’s stats at Molineux |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Prem |
FA Cup |
|
Minutes |
25′ |
69′ |
|
Goals |
0 |
0 |
|
It helps |
0 |
0 |
|
To touch |
23 |
54 |
|
Shots (on target) |
1 (1) |
4 (2) |
|
Accurate passes |
11/15 (73%) |
30/33 (91%) |
|
The property is lost |
7x |
12x |
|
Opportunities are created |
2 |
1 |
|
Crosses |
1/3 |
0/3 |
|
Dribbles |
2/3 |
3/4 |
|
Recovery |
2 |
3 |
|
Fighting |
0 |
0 |
|
Duels won |
2/3 |
6/9 |
The Portuguese prospect has been praised for his athleticism, with commentator Ben Mattinson 2025 saying “his ball handling is very strong”. Those words came before he started playing, and he’s stuck with them ever since.
In fact, despite appearing only three times for Benfica’s top team, the shallow data from his two games in Liga Portugal tells a deeper story about his potential, as he won 14 duels and completed 67% of his dribbles in all two games, and created two chances.
What’s more, he doesn’t have a bad cross to himself, able to flick the ball into danger after breaking the touchline.
Although Banjaqui has only played a limited amount of senior football, there is no denying that he is one of the most talented young right backs. After all, Arsenal and Manchester United are also serious, and these Premier League giants boast two of the best schools not only in England but around the world.
For Liverpool, the thought of getting a quality full-back to play alongside rivals Jeremie Frimpong (who could play a leading role next year) and Conor Bradley is too good to resist, and he could even replace Ngumoha as Liverpool’s young star player.
Finally, Banjaqui will have the choice of the team, and while Arsenal and the Red Devils are both sure to present compelling projects, Liverpool have shown that they have a real ability to develop top and up-and-coming players, and Merseyside could be the perfect place for him to develop his legendary potential.
He’s a monster: Liverpool look like they’ve got a Diaz & Salah hybrid
Liverpool beat Wolves at Molineux to progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
