Everton and Newcastle United are the two clubs keen on signing Sunderland’s 14-year-old whizkid Chris Rigg this summer.
According to The Sun, Everton and Newcastle United are set to battle it out for the services of Chris Rigg. The Sunderland youngster has raised a lot of eyebrows with his performances in the youth leagues and is widely considered the next big thing in English football.
At the age of just 14, Rigg is already plying his trade for Sunderland’s U18 team, even racking up two goals and one assist in the U18 Premier League this term. His impressive performances have led many to regard him as the most talented player of his age group in all of England.
However, Rigg’s spell at Sunderland may soon come to an end this summer as the youngster could move to the top-flight in order to further enhance himself as a footballer. At 14, he has a long way to go before he can become a professional star, but moving to a top-flight club can offer him a greater training facility.
That is where Everton and Newcastle United come into the fray. The two Premier League clubs are in contention to sign the Sunderland youngster this summer, who is valued at a whopping £1 million.
Newcastle may have a major advantage as Rigg comes from a family that supports the Magpies. But the report suggests Everton are in pole position to secure the services of the midfield dynamo.
Although Newcastle United are on course to becoming one of the richest clubs in Europe over the coming years, Everton certainly have a better record of nurturing young talents. In the past few years alone, the Toffees have already developed players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite, who is a target for Manchester United.
Newcastle, in contrast, are likely to rely heavily on proven stars in the coming years, in the club’s quest to become one of the strongest in England. A move to Goodison Park, therefore, could be the right option for young Chris Rigg, who is prepared to ply his trade with a far more talented group of youngsters.
There is no doubt the 14-year-old has what it takes to become a Premier League professional. But it will be interesting to see where he ends up next summer, as it could greatly determine his progress going forward.
