Here’s a jaw-dropping revelation that might just leave Liverpool fans scratching their heads: the club once sold a teenage player who is now valued higher than their current rising star, Rio Ngumoha. Yes, you read that right. While Ngumoha is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in world football today, a former Liverpool youngster has quietly surpassed him in terms of market value—and this is the part most people miss. Let’s dive into the details.
Rio Ngumoha’s journey at Anfield has been nothing short of remarkable. After a stunning Premier League debut in August, where he scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United, the 17-year-old was hailed as a ‘frightening’ talent. His rapid rise has earned him a spot in the first team, and fans are eagerly watching his every move. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Ngumoha’s undeniable potential, another former Liverpool teenager—now playing elsewhere—is actually worth more.
This week, the CIES Football Observatory released its list of the most valuable teenagers in world football. While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal tops the chart and Chelsea’s Estevao Willian leads the Premier League with a staggering €118.1m valuation, Liverpool’s own Ngumoha is valued at €20.4m. Impressive, right? But hold on—his former teammate, Ben Gannon-Doak, who recently left Liverpool for Bournemouth, is now valued at €27.2m (approximately £23.9m). That’s right: a player Liverpool let go is now worth more than one of their brightest stars.
Gannon-Doak’s departure from Anfield wasn’t without its perks for the club. Bournemouth secured his services for an initial £20m, with an additional £5m in potential add-ons. However, Liverpool cleverly included a buyback clause in the deal, reportedly set at around £50m. As Ben Jacobs noted, this clause reflects Liverpool’s belief in Gannon-Doak’s ‘elite potential,’ suggesting they see him as a future star worth reclaiming. But here’s the question: Did Liverpool make a mistake by letting him go, or is this a strategic move to allow him to develop elsewhere?
Gannon-Doak’s journey since leaving Liverpool has been intriguing. After impressing in the Championship with Middlesbrough during the 2024/25 season, his progress was halted by injury. Now at Bournemouth, he’s yet to hit top form, having played just 98 minutes across five matches this season. But if he does find his stride at the Vitality Stadium, Liverpool’s buyback clause could prove to be a masterstroke—or a costly oversight, depending on how you look at it.
So, what do you think? Is Liverpool’s decision to sell Gannon-Doak a missed opportunity, or a calculated risk? And could Ngumoha’s value eventually surpass his former teammate’s? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
