Everton and West Ham United Set to Battle in the Race to Sign 17-year-old Sunderland Wonderkid – Report | OneFootball

West Ham and Everton Tracking Sunderland Teenager Rigg

Sunderland’s 17-year-old sensation Chris Rigg is attracting significant attention from Premier League clubs, with West Ham and Everton leading the chase. According to Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor, the young midfielder showcased his immense talent once again by scoring the winner for England’s U19s against Portugal, underlining his credentials as one of the most exciting prospects in English football.

Rigg’s eye-catching performances for Sunderland this season have not gone unnoticed. The teenager has made 34 Championship appearances, netting four goals and contributing an assist, establishing himself as a key figure in Sunderland’s squad. As Everton and West Ham seek to strengthen their midfields in the summer, the Sunderland academy graduate is believed to be a prime target.

A Natural Fit for Everton’s Philosophy

Everton are particularly keen on players who fit a certain profile: young, dynamic, and capable of making an immediate impact. Rigg ticks all these boxes. Having honed his craft in the Championship, he possesses the grit and work ethic required to transition to the Premier League. His contract at Sunderland runs until 2027, but that hasn’t deterred interest from Merseyside, where David Moyes has a history of recruiting promising talent from the lower leagues.

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One of the key factors in Everton’s interest is Moyes’ proven track record of nurturing young talents and giving them the platform to excel at the highest level. During his first spell at Goodison Park, Moyes was known for bringing in players with potential and moulding them into Premier League regulars. With Rigg, there’s a sense of déjà vu as the Toffees consider another youthful prospect to revitalise their ranks.

Growing Competition for Rigg’s Signature

Despite Everton’s clear intent, they are not alone in their pursuit of the Sunderland starlet. West Ham, as well as several Bundesliga clubs, are also keeping a close watch on his progress. Given Rigg’s talent and potential, it’s no surprise that his performances for both club and country have attracted a growing list of admirers.

West Ham’s interest aligns with their ongoing strategy of blending youth with experience, while Bundesliga clubs are renowned for snapping up young English talent and giving them prominent roles. This makes the upcoming summer transfer window a pivotal period for Sunderland, who will undoubtedly aim to retain their prized asset.

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What Makes Rigg Stand Out?

Chris Rigg’s performances this season have displayed a rare combination of technical skill and maturity beyond his years. His ability to control the tempo of a game, make decisive runs, and score important goals has set him apart from his peers. With Premier League clubs circling, the question is not whether he will make the step up, but when and where.

For Everton, securing Rigg would signal intent and ambition to rejuvenate their squad with young, hungry players. Meanwhile, West Ham’s interest suggests they too are looking to build for the future, capitalising on the momentum they’ve built over recent seasons. Sunderland, on the other hand, will be desperate to hold onto their homegrown talent as they continue to develop their academy graduates.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Everton fan, it’s hard not to get excited about the prospect of signing Chris Rigg. There’s something undeniably appealing about bringing in a young, energetic talent who’s already proving his worth on the international stage. The fact that he scored the winning goal for England’s U19s just highlights his big-game mentality—exactly what we’ve been crying out for in midfield.

What makes Rigg particularly exciting is how he fits into Everton’s ethos under David Moyes. We’ve seen it before with Moyes—spotting lower-league gems and giving them the platform to thrive in the Premier League. Rigg seems tailor-made for that kind of progression. With our current midfield looking sluggish at times, a youthful injection of pace and creativity could be a game-changer.

Of course, it’s not just Everton that see his potential. Knowing that West Ham and even Bundesliga sides are interested only adds to the urgency. But there’s no doubt that securing Rigg’s signature would be a statement of intent—proof that we’re serious about building for the future rather than just patching up the present. Hopefully, Goodison Park will soon be the place where this rising star makes his Premier League debut.