Chelsea icon John Terry has given Rio Ngumoha a glowing endorsement after his move to Liverpool. The 16-year-old confirmed his move to Anfield yesterday after a delay because the Premier League authorities needed to green-light his transfer from Chelsea.

Despite the Stamford Bridge side offering the youngster a scholarship, Ngumoha opted for the Reds instead, leaving Chelsea eligible for compensation but upset over losing such a highly-rated prospect. Ngumoha, with experience in Chelsea's U21s and nine outings for the Blues' U18s side last term, is likely to link up with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's U18 team at Liverpool's academy in Kirkby initially.

It is understood that suggestions the Reds have broken their wage structure to sign the player are wide of the mark. Instead, Ngumoha was convinced to make the switch based on the strong existing pathway from the youth set-up to the Liverpool first team.

Since returning to Chelsea as an academy coach following a spell at Leicester City as an assistant manager, Terry has watched Ngumoha's progress closely. He conveyed his best wishes to the young forward on Instagram.

Ngumoha took to Instagram on Wednesday to share with followers: "Delighted to sign for Liverpool FC. YNWA." Terry joined in the chorus of well-wishers, commenting on the announcement with "Good luck mate," and adding the symbols of a fist bump and blue heart.

Adding to the buzz, Terry weighed in on Fabrizio Romano's Instagram confirmation of Ngumoha's move, expressing high expectations. "This boy is and will be a top top player," he commented.

Liverpool U18s will face Blackburn Rovers at home on Saturday 14 September. It is possible that Ngumoha and fellow new arrival Alvin Ayman, who joined from Wolves this summer, could make their debuts.