Arsenal
Liverpool’s long-term midfield plans might face an added complication this summer time, with Everton rising as shock contenders within the race to signal highly-rated Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg.
The 17-year-old midfielder is seen inside Anfield’s recruitment division as one of many brightest prospects in English soccer, and Liverpool scouts have been common attendees at Sunderland video games, carefully monitoring his progress throughout a breakout marketing campaign within the Championship.
Rigg has 40 senior appearances for the Black Cats this season, a outstanding tally for a participant nonetheless in his teenagers, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed among the many Premier League elite.
However the Reds are removed from alone of their admiration. Sources have instructed The i Paper that West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have all stored tabs on the England Underneath 19 worldwide, whereas Newcastle United have a nicely established curiosity.
And it now seems that they are going to face surprising competitors nearer to dwelling.
Everton, boosted by the monetary backing of recent homeowners the Friedkin Group, are making ready for what insiders describe as a “transformational” summer time, with main squad funding deliberate throughout all areas of the pitch. Reducing the common age of their squad is a key precedence and Rigg matches that temporary completely.
The Toffees’ curiosity comes alongside their admiration for an additional Sunderland midfielder, 23-year-old Dan Neil, having already thought-about an method in January. However it’s Rigg, along with his vitality, intelligence and flexibility, who might spark a Merseyside battle within the switch market.
Sunderland’s stance stays clear — they need to maintain their homegrown star. Rigg is beneath contract till 2027, and their hopes of retaining him will likely be drastically enhanced in the event that they safe promotion to the Premier League.
Nevertheless, if the Black Cats fall brief, the state of affairs might shift dramatically. Sunderland’s established participant buying and selling mannequin has already seen them half with 19-year-old winger Tommy Watson, bought to Brighton for round £8 million earlier this month.
However deal for Rigg would command a far larger charge, with options it might comfortably eclipse the reported £40 million Tottenham paid Leeds for Archie Grey final summer time.
No official bids have but been made, however sources anticipate critical presents to reach as soon as the summer time window opens, notably if Sunderland stay within the Championship.
Liverpool’s long-term curiosity is obvious, although a lot might rely on how aggressively their native rivals Everton transfer within the coming weeks.
With a “huge summer time” anticipated at Anfield beneath head coach Arne Slot, Rigg might characterize each a signing for the long run and a possible headache — ought to Everton search to steal a march within the race for one in all England’s most fun younger gamers.
