Liverpool respond to Chelsea accusations amid off-field tensions; talks held over hopeful resolution

Taha Memon

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Liverpool and Chelsea do battle at Anfield on Sunday, and tensions between the two clubs appear to be growing behind the scenes over one particular matter.

A new report from The Athletic has claimed that a fractured relationship between the duo – as well as Manchester United – at academy level has seen scouts denied access to underage matches.

Personnel from Stamford Bridge have claimed that their scouting staff sought accreditation for LFC academy games but had it rejected, an accusation which has been denied by sourced at the Merseyside club.

However, it’s understood that future applications from Chelsea are likely to be turned down by Liverpool due to the ‘reciprosal nature of access for scouts at youth level’.

The report added: “Multiple people with knowledge of the situation have told The Athletic that Chelsea were the first to restrict access to opposition scouts, although that is denied by a Chelsea source.

“Regardless, the west London club’s decision has been interpreted as a response to losing 16-year-old attacker Rio Ngumoha, regarded as one of the brightest talents Cobham has produced in recent years, to Liverpool last summer. United also made an attempt to sign Ngumoha.”
The Athletic adds that while no formal ban has been issued since that would go outright against Premier League rules, the situation has become fraught with tension between staff at Liverpool and Chelsea.
Representatives from the two clubs and Manchester United are understood to have met recently for negotiations on how to amicably resolve the situation, although a workable solution has yet to be reached.

Chelsea are clearly annoyed after losing Ngumoha

Via @1947production on Twitter

Following a protracted transfer from Chelsea a few weeks ago, Ngumoha made his first start for Liverpool under-18s against Newcastle last month and impressed with his quick dribbling and stepovers, only beng prevented from scoring by some fine goalkeeping from Will Anderson.

In fact, after the 16-year-old’s move to Merseyside was announced, Blues legend John Terry went as far as to say that the teenager ‘will be a top player’ and advised football fans to ‘save his name’.

Given how highly the forward is rated, it seems that the west London side are extremely annoyed about losing him. As stated by The Athletic, Chelsea appear to have been the first to deny access to scouts and are perhaps hoping to avoid a repeat of such a case in the future.

Since a ban on scout attendance is against Premier League rules, we’re sure that some sort of decision between the three clubs will be reached soon.

As for Ngumoha, hopefully he can continue to work hard at youth level and eventually make the step up to the senior team. He is extremely talented and we’d love nothing more than for him to succeed on the biggest stage.