Liverpool has excluded Federico Chiesa from their Champions League squad while giving the coveted spot to 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha. The controversial choice by manager Arne Slot has left the Italian international’s European dreams in tatters while catapulting the teenage Chelsea academy graduate into the spotlight of European football’s premier competition.
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The Shocking Exclusion: Liverpool’s Bold Gamble
Federico Chiesa’s omission from Liverpool’s 22-man Champions League squad represents one of the most surprising selection decisions in recent memory.
The 27-year-old Italian winger, who joined Liverpool from Juventus with hopes of revitalizing his career, finds himself relegated to domestic competitions only, unable to feature in the Champions League until at least February 2025.
| Federico Chiesa at Liverpool | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 years old |
| Appearances This Season | 3 Premier League games (29 minutes total) |
| Goals This Season | 1 goal |
| Transfer Fee | €13 million from Juventus (2024) |
| Champions League Status | Excluded from 22-man squad |
| Contract Length | Until 2028 |
The exclusion becomes particularly painful when considering Chiesa’s limited playing time this season. Despite coming off the bench in all three of Liverpool’s Premier League matches and scoring a crucial late goal against Bournemouth, the Italian has managed just 29 minutes of action across these appearances.
Rio Ngumoha: From Chelsea Academy to Champions League Dreams
In stark contrast to Chiesa’s disappointment, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha has been handed a golden opportunity that would have seemed impossible just a year ago.
The young winger, who controversially left Chelsea’s academy to join Liverpool in 2024, has been included in the prestigious A-List squad despite his tender age.
The Meteoric Rise
Ngumoha’s inclusion represents a remarkable trajectory for a player who only made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Newcastle United, where he scored a dramatic winner in the 100th minute. His journey from Chelsea academy reject to Champions League squad member encapsulates Liverpool’s commitment to youth development.
| Rio Ngumoha Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 years old (turns 17 on August 29) |
| Position | Left winger/Attacking midfielder |
| Previous Club | Chelsea Academy (2016-2024) |
| Liverpool Debut | January 2025 vs Accrington Stanley (FA Cup) |
| Premier League Debut Goal | vs Newcastle United (August 2025) |
| Champions League Status | Included in A-List squad |
UEFA Regulations: The Numbers Game
Liverpool’s squad selection has been complicated by UEFA’s strict regulations governing Champions League squads. Clubs can name a maximum of 25 players on their A-List, with only 17 spots available for non-homegrown players. This limitation has forced Arne Slot to make difficult decisions about which players deserve European football.
The Homegrown Challenge
Rio Ngumoha’s inclusion in the A-List rather than the B-List stems from UEFA’s complex eligibility criteria. Despite his age, Ngumoha doesn’t qualify as a homegrown player because he joined Liverpool after his 15th birthday. This technicality means he occupies one of the precious 17 non-homegrown slots, directly competing with established stars like Chiesa for inclusion.
The decision to prioritize Ngumoha over Chiesa suggests that Slot sees long-term potential outweighing short-term experience, a gamble that will define both players’ seasons.
Slot’s Strategic Vision: Youth Over Experience
Arne Slot’s decision to exclude Federico Chiesa while including Rio Ngumoha reveals his tactical philosophy and vision for Liverpool’s future. The Dutch manager appears willing to sacrifice immediate experience for long-term potential, betting on Ngumoha’s development over Chiesa’s proven but limited contributions.
The Manager’s Dilemma
The choice between Chiesa and Ngumoha represents more than just squad selection—it embodies Liverpool’s broader approach to balancing present needs with future ambitions. Slot’s decision suggests he believes Ngumoha’s rapid development and potential impact justify the risk of excluding a more experienced international player.
“Rio is showing good things in every game in pre-season,” Slot previously commented about the teenager. “He’s definitely a player who shows at this moment in time that if he keeps bringing these performances in, then tonight definitely won’t be the last time he plays a few minutes for Liverpool.”
Chiesa’s Career Crossroads
Federico Chiesa’s exclusion from the Champions League squad represents another setback in what has been a challenging period since his move to Liverpool. The Italian international’s hopes of regular playing time and European football have been dealt a significant blow.
International Implications
The timing of Chiesa’s exclusion becomes even more significant when considering his recent decision to decline an Italy call-up. The player told national team coach Gennaro Gattuso that he “did not feel ready to return” and wanted to be “100%” before representing his country again. This admission, combined with his Champions League exclusion, raises questions about his current fitness and form.
His frustrating first season at Anfield, which saw him make just 14 appearances with two goals and two assists, appears to be continuing into the new campaign despite hopes for a fresh start under Slot.
The Chelsea Connection: Ngumoha’s Controversial Move
Rio Ngumoha’s inclusion in Liverpool’s Champions League squad adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea. The teenager’s move from Stamford Bridge to Anfield in 2024 reportedly left Chelsea “seething,” with the Blues taking the matter to a tribunal over compensation fees.
Breaking the Wage Structure
Liverpool’s commitment to Ngumoha extended beyond just securing his signature. The club reportedly broke their traditional academy wage structure to entice the young winger to Merseyside, offering performance-related bonuses that are rarely provided at youth level.
Chelsea’s anger at losing what they considered a “generational talent” has been vindicated by Ngumoha’s rapid rise, with the player already surpassing several Liverpool academy records and becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history.
Liverpool’s Complete Champions League Squad
Slot’s final 22-man Champions League squad reflects a blend of established stars, summer signings, and promising youth players. The squad showcases Liverpool’s ambition across all age groups while making some controversial omissions.
Official Squad Breakdown by Position
Goalkeepers:
- Alisson
- Mamardashvili
- Woodman
Defenders:
- Van Dijk
- Konate
- Gomez
- Robertson
- Bradley
- Kerkez
- Leoni
Midfielders:
- Mac Allister
- Szoboszlai
- Gravenberch
- Jones
- Endo
- Wirtz
- Frimpong
Forwards:
- Salah
- Gakpo
- Isak
- Ekitike
- Ngumoha
Notable Squad Decisions
The inclusion of players like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike alongside Ngumoha demonstrates Liverpool’s ambition across all age groups. Summer signings Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have also been rewarded with Champions League spots, while Federico Chiesa remains the most high-profile exclusion.
Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
While Ngumoha celebrated his inclusion, other players also missed out on European football. The squad selection process required difficult decisions about which players would best serve Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions.
The presence of Giovanni Leoni, another young talent, on the A-List alongside Ngumoha suggests that Slot is serious about integrating youth players into his European campaign plans.
The Broader Implications
The Chiesa-Ngumoha squad decision extends beyond individual fortunes to reflect broader trends in modern football. Liverpool’s willingness to prioritize potential over proven ability represents a philosophical shift that could influence other clubs’ approaches to squad building.
Financial Considerations
From a financial perspective, Chiesa’s exclusion while maintaining his wages represents a significant cost for Liverpool. The Italian’s contract runs until 2028, meaning the club will continue paying his salary while he remains unable to contribute to their most important competition.
Conversely, Ngumoha’s inclusion represents exceptional value, with the teenager contributing to Champions League ambitions at a fraction of the cost of established stars.
Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges
For Federico Chiesa, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can fight his way back into European contention. The opportunity exists to be included in a revised squad for the knockout stages, but only if he can demonstrate improved form and fitness in domestic competitions.
Rio Ngumoha faces the opposite challenge—living up to the enormous expectations that come with Champions League inclusion at just 17 years old. His development over the coming months will determine whether Slot’s bold gamble pays off.
FAQs
Why was Federico Chiesa excluded from Liverpool’s Champions League squad?
Chiesa was excluded due to UEFA’s limit of 17 non-homegrown players in the A-List squad. Arne Slot chose to prioritize 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha over the Italian winger, suggesting concerns about Chiesa’s current form and fitness levels.
How old is Rio Ngumoha and why is his inclusion significant?
Rio Ngumoha is 17 years old (born August 29, 2008) and his inclusion is significant because he becomes one of the youngest players ever to be named in a Champions League A-List squad, despite joining Liverpool from Chelsea just over a year ago.
Can Chiesa still play in the Champions League this season?
Yes, Chiesa could potentially be included in a revised squad for the knockout stages if Liverpool progresses from the league phase. UEFA allows clubs to register up to three new players before February 5, 2025.
What was the controversy surrounding Ngumoha’s move from Chelsea to Liverpool?
Chelsea were reportedly “seething” when Liverpool signed Ngumoha in 2024, calling him a “generational talent.” The Blues took the matter to a tribunal over compensation fees and reportedly banned Liverpool scouts from attending Chelsea youth games.
How many minutes has Chiesa played this season for Liverpool?
Federico Chiesa has played just 29 minutes across three Premier League substitute appearances this season, managing to score one goal despite his limited playing time under Arne Slot.
