Liverpool’s future looks to be in safe hands following the appointment of another key figure today.
The Reds have confirmed to arrival of Richard Hughes as sporting director. With positive reports about Hughes out in full force this afternoon, he looks like being a top addition for Liverpool.
So too does Michael Edwards, who’s return to the club is as exciting as it is unexpected.
Now then, with their recruitment team now in place, Liverpool can finally start to look towards their future on the pitch. And with that in mind, The Chronicle have outlined a player who is currently catching the Reds’ eye.
Liverpool targeting Sunderland talent
Being an outlet based in the North East, The Chronicle tends to focus on the big clubs up there. And that’s exactly what Liverpool have reportedly been doing, too.
They claim that the Reds’ are one of the teams positioning themselves to pick up Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg on a free transfer.
As well as the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool are said to be waiting to pounce to sign Rigg.
The 16-year-old’s future is claimed to be ‘unclear’ with his current contract with the Black Cats expiring at the end of the season. Although he’d be able to sign for a new club for nothing, they’d then have to pay a ‘nominal fee’ in compensation to Sunderland.
Who is Chris Rigg
Keen followers may recall that Liverpool were actually linked with Rigg as far back as December 2022.
Back then, the midfielder was merely a highly-rated young player in the Sunderland academy. But in the months since, Rigg has kicked on massively.
Born in June 2007, Rigg became the second youngest player in the Black Cats’ history when he debuted in January 2023. He was just 15.
Since then, the England U18 international has gone on to become the youngest goalscorer in League Cup history. His goal against Crew Alexandra in August last year smashing the record.
As you might expect, this led to another round of reports suggesting that Rigg was due a big move away from his boyhood club.
February was the last time Liverpool got a mention, with the Reds said to be ‘exploring a move’ at that stage.
Should Rigg arrive, he would follow a well-worn pattern for Liverpool. Over recent years they’ve had great success in capitalising on contract expirations at domestic rivals.
Harvey Elliott is perhaps the prime example of this, and Trey Nyoni more recently, too. If he plays his cards right, it sounds like Rigg could be the next one on that list.