Liverpool Set to Battle Everton in the Race to Sign 17-year-old Wonderkid – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool and Everton Go Head-to-Head for Sunderland’s Chris Rigg: Premier League Giants Eye England’s Next Midfield Star

In a development that could shape the future of English football’s midfield landscape, both Liverpool and Everton are poised to compete for the signature of Sunderland’s 17-year-old prodigy Chris Rigg. According to iNews, the midfielder has caught the attention of numerous Premier League clubs, including West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, with Newcastle United also maintaining long-standing interest.

It’s no surprise that Rigg’s name is buzzing in top-tier scouting reports. Having already amassed close to 40 senior appearances this season, he has not only demonstrated maturity beyond his years but shown consistent quality that makes him a standout among his peers.

Rigg’s performances have made him “one of the brightest young English prospects in the game”, a view widely shared across the recruitment departments of many clubs. As reported by iNews, Liverpool have been among those sending scouts to monitor the teenager, but the recent emergence of Everton as a serious contender has added a new layer of intrigue to this story.

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Everton’s Changing Transfer Philosophy Could Tilt the Race

The context at Goodison Park is crucial here. With the Friedkin Group’s recent investment reshaping Everton’s operational structure, and incoming figures such as Nick Hammond and Angus Kinnear leading recruitment, the club is set for what insiders describe as a “transformational” summer. According to iNews, “Everton are looking to strengthen – in the words of one insider – ‘in every single department’”.

The Merseyside club are targeting a younger profile across the pitch, aiming to lower the average age of their squad and adopt a fresher, more energetic playing style under David Moyes. Rigg fits that mould perfectly. “His energetic play is seen as perfect for the style that David Moyes wants to implement next season,” the article notes – a clear signal of intent from Everton to build for the long term.

It’s also telling that Rigg’s teammate Dan Neil, 23, is on Everton’s radar, hinting that Sunderland’s midfield has become a goldmine of potential Premier League talent.

Sunderland’s Dilemma: Hold or Sell?

Sunderland’s role in all this cannot be understated. Their promotion ambitions could well be the hinge upon which Rigg’s future swings. As iNews outlines, “If they are promoted… then he is highly likely to stay on Wearside. If not, then his future becomes more complicated.” The Black Cats are currently locked into the Championship play-offs, but faltering form could leave the door wide open for rival clubs.

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Sunderland’s player trading model also leans towards cashing in at the right moment. The recent sale of 19-year-old Tommy Watson to Brighton for around £8 million underlines their willingness to deal – and for a player of Rigg’s calibre, the price will be significantly higher. iNews estimates a figure “well in excess of the £30m Leeds received from Tottenham for similarly talented midfielder Archie Gray last year”.

While no bids have been lodged yet, sources close to the club say offers are “almost inevitable” in the summer window.

Liverpool’s Youth-First Identity Aligns with Rigg’s Profile

On the other side of Stanley Park, Liverpool’s interest is firmly rooted in their long-standing policy of blending elite youth with first-team progression. The club’s scouts have kept close tabs on Rigg, whose dynamism and vision from midfield resemble the traits seen in previous academy breakthroughs at Anfield.

Under new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds are expected to continue prioritising the development of young players who can fit seamlessly into a high-press, high-intensity system. While senior midfielders such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai command headlines, the club knows the future lies in grooming the next generation.

Should Liverpool move decisively, they may view Rigg as a player who could first learn in the shadows of their established stars before stepping into a larger role. Given his game intelligence, positional awareness and composure, that transition could come sooner than expected.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this story evokes a familiar mix of excitement and apprehension. Chris Rigg feels like exactly the type of signing Liverpool should be making – not just because of his raw potential, but because of what he represents. The club has always valued the blend of youth and long-term growth, and Rigg’s profile echoes the likes of Harvey Elliott or even Curtis Jones at similar stages of development.

However, Everton’s aggressive posture and newly backed resources add a new level of competitiveness. It’s one thing to battle Manchester United or Tottenham for a young talent; it’s another entirely when your cross-city rivals are just as desperate to land him – especially when they’re undergoing their own rebuild.

One worry is whether Liverpool will be proactive enough in this case. The article notes no formal bid has been placed – could this be another scenario where the Reds admire from afar but fail to act decisively? Supporters will hope the club doesn’t fall into the trap of hesitancy, especially with the likes of Rigg, whose ceiling looks sky-high.

The Sunderland situation also complicates matters. A promotion for them might kill any momentum, at least for another season. But if the play-offs go against them, Liverpool need to be at the front of the queue. Letting Everton steal a march here – especially when Rigg seems built for Anfield’s environment – would feel like a real missed opportunity.