LONDON, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the Premier League champion Liverpool.

The 17-year-old forward, who scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on his Premier League debut last month, joined the Reds from Chelsea's academy in September 2024. He has since made five senior appearances.

Ngumoha became Liverpool's youngest-ever starter in January, aged 16 years and 135 days, during a 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington. He also made his Champions League debut earlier this month in a victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

A highly rated prospect, Ngumoha was regarded as the standout talent of his age group at Chelsea, but opted to move to Anfield in search of a clearer pathway to first-team football, despite assurances and lucrative offers from the Blues.

Manager Arne Slot integrated him into the senior squad during pre-season, where he impressed with goals and assists against AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Athletic Bilbao - scoring within two minutes of the latter match and leaving to a standing ovation.

Ngumoha has also represented England at various youth levels, making his under-19 debut on 3 September.

Liverpool has not disclosed the length of his new deal. ■