Liverpool has clinched the acquisition of the highly-rated teenage striker Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea, with the Premier League giving its final approval on Wednesday.

The transfer was finalized after Liverpool navigated the Premier League’s rigorous five-step review process, a standard procedure for young players moving between category-one academies.

Rio Ngumoha Adigun, a promising England youth international of Nigerian heritage, opted to leave Chelsea for Liverpool in July. Although the decision was made, Ngumoha could not join his new team until the transfer was officially sanctioned.

The 16-year-old forward, who has signed a standard scholar’s contract, will initially join Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s under-18 squad. He is in line to make his debut in their upcoming fixture against Blackburn Rovers on September 14.

Despite the transfer being approved, the matter of compensation for training and development expenses between the two clubs remains unresolved. A tribunal is anticipated to settle the final compensation amount.

Ngumoha’s move to Liverpool is believed to be driven by the club’s strong track record of nurturing young talent, exemplified by players like Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Trey Nyoni.

Liverpool views Ngumoha’s signing as a significant addition, recognizing his exceptional skill and potential. Last October, he was named player of the tournament as Chelsea’s Under-16s won the national championship, and his impressive performances earned him a debut for Chelsea’s Under-21s in January.