{
  "id": 1223564,
  "title": "Talks open for Liverpool to secure mammoth forward contract deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/talks-open-for-liverpool-to-secure-mammoth-forward-contract-deal",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T07:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/talks-open-liverpool-secure-mammoth-071000460.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool is exploring the possibility of securing a forward contract deal to address their need for quality out wide. The Reds suffered a significant drop in output from their wingers last season, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo all playing crucial roles in helping the team clinch the 2024/25 Premier League title. Diaz was sold to Bayern Munich, while Salah and Gakpo struggled under Arne Slot's second season in charge. Salah, now 34, has left for Trabzonspor on a free transfer, with Gakpo reportedly nearing a move to Tottenham. Victor Munoz's arrival from Osasuna and the interest in Bradley Barcola have made one-v-one ability out wide a top priority for Liverpool this summer. Rio Ngumoha, a 17-year-old development signing from Chelsea, is expected to step up and compete for a first-team role under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Liverpool has reportedly held talks with Ngumoha over a new long-term contract, anticipating a significant pay rise and a substantial improvement in his future deal.",
  "summary": "Liverpool suffered from a steep drop in output from their wingers last season. Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all powered the Reds to the 2024/25 Premier League title under Arne Slot. Diaz ho...",
  "key_points": [
    "Liverpool explores forward contract deal to address wingers' need",
    "Victor Munoz arrival and interest in Barcola highlight priority",
    "Rio Ngumoha expected to sign long-term contract with pay rise"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Liverpool forward who cannot stop scoring destined for move away",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/liverpool-forward-who-cannot-stop-scoring-destined-for-move-away",
        "published": "2026-08-16T07:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}