Liverpool named suitor for Championship record-breaking teenager who has made contract decision

Liverpool have been named among the Premier League teams tracking Sunderland teenage sensation Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old midfielder made a decisive breakthrough into the Sunderland first team last season, appearing in each of the Black Cats' final 13 league games of the season.

He captained England at the recent UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where the Three Lions were beaten on penalties by eventual champions Italy in the quarter-final stage.

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Rigg has already represented England Under-18s and is widely tipped for a career at the highest level.

As a result, Liverpool have been mentioned as one of the elite teams monitoring Rigg's development, with his current contract expiring in 2025.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and local rivals Newcastle are also in the race for Rigg's signature according to a report from HITC.

However, the homegrown prospect is ready to let suitors down by committing to a new deal with Sunderland that will extend his terms well beyond 2025.

The north-eastern team, now coached by Régis Le Bris, will therefore be able to continue to benefit from its star product from the youth academy for some time to come.

Rigg only turned 17 in June, but made his debut in January 2023 in an FA Cup game against Shrewsbury. He had to wait a little longer to become a regular under manager Tony Mowbray, but hasn't looked back since making the grade.

Top teams recruit academy talent

He appeared in 23 second-tier games last season, scoring twice, attracting the attention of bigger Premier League clubs.

Rigg is already Sunderland's youngest ever goalscorer as well as the youngest goalscorer in EFL Cup history.

Chelsea have recently attracted academy talent with a pair of highly-rated 18-year-olds arriving during this summer transfer window.

Striker Marc Guiu has been signed from Barcelona while Omari Kellyman has arrived from Aston Villa.

Liverpool have also excelled in signing young talent from across the UK, with Trey Nyoni and Ben Doak recently joining.

Alvin Ayman is also set to move to Merseyside this summer from Wolves, where he has built a sterling reputation in the youth ranks.

Meanwhile, Chelsea youth ace Ryan McAidoo has reportedly chosen Liverpool as his next destination.

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