Bayern Munich 'explore' transfer for Liverpool star as unthinkable move emerges days into Iraola reign

Bayern Munich are reportedly considering a truly unthinkable move involving a Liverpool player, handing Andoni Iraola his first dilemma as Reds boss.

Following Arne Slot’s sacking, former Bournemouth head coach Iraola has been confirmed as Liverpool boss.

And despite only being confirmed as the 20-time English champions’ new boss yesterday (June 4), he may already have been handed his first dilemma.

This is because 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha is on Bayern Munich’s list of summer targets after the teenager impressed during his maiden season at Anfield.

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Ngumoha is the Bundesliga giants’ main target as they look to add to their ranks on the left flank, despite Luis Diaz enjoying an excellent first season in Bavaria, helping the side win a domestic double and reach the Champions League semi-finals last term.

Ngumoha, who is contracted to Liverpool until 2028, has been made aware of Bayern’s interest, although the Merseyside club have made clear he is not for sale.

The youngster made 31 appearances for Liverpool last term, registering two goals and one assist. He is currently away with England as he helps Thomas Tuchel’s squad prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Liverpool plan to bolster their left flank this summer and have already been linked with RB Leipzig forward Yan Diamonde.

The Premier League side have made contact with Leipzig regarding a move for the Ivory Coast international, who is under contract in Germany until 2030. However, the club insist he is not for sale and would only be willing to let him leave for around £112 million.

Iraola keen to give Liverpool youth a chance

Iraola has already emphasised how he is keen to give young players an opportunity, with Ngumoha arguably Liverpool’s brightest starlet at this time.

Speaking to club media about the importance of player development, the Spaniard explained: “Yes, at the end everything has happened very quickly really. We just finished the season and it's when we really started thinking, 'OK, what's going to be the next step?'

"And now that we know what's happening, I want to get ready. Also, with the World Cup being there, we will have a chance to work especially with some of the young players. Because a lot of senior players are out and arriving later because of the World Cup, I think it gives us the chance to know the players from the Academy better, as well as some of the players that have been on loan. They will be an important part of the first part of pre-season, the American tour.

"And I think in that way it works very well for us because it will give us a lot of information before we really take decisions before we start the season.

“The senior players that have played in the World Cup, they've been feeling the pressure, they've been playing for their countries. I think they need and deserve a rest. And also this allows us to give important minutes and train more closely with the young players that probably we don't know as well. Because we've been here already three seasons, playing a lot of times against Liverpool, and there are players that we already know. But there are other players who probably haven't had the minutes, have played for the development squad, have been on loan somewhere, and I think those training sessions, those minutes, will be very valuable for us to take decisions.”