Everton Frontrunners to Sign £38m Wonderkid: Could Be Biggest Talent Since Rooney

Everton are entering a new era as they prepare to move into their state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. After struggling in recent seasons, manager David Moyes has steadied the ship, with the team losing just twice in the league this campaign.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Everton are looking to strengthen their squad. According to reports, they are leading the race to sign Sunderland’s 17-year-old sensation Chris Rigg. The Championship club are demanding £38 million for the talented midfielder.

Rigg has already made 67 appearances for Sunderland’s first team since debuting in January 2023. This season, he has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 40 league games. The teenager creates 1.2 chances per 90 minutes and completes 1.2 successful dribbles, highlighting his attacking threat.

While the £38 million price tag seems steep for such a young player, Rigg’s potential could make it a worthwhile investment. His performances at such a tender age have drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney, who burst onto the scene for Everton as a 16-year-old in 2002.

Rooney made 35 appearances and scored 8 goals in his first spell at Goodison Park before moving to Manchester United for £25.6 million in 2004. He went on to become one of England’s greatest ever players.

Everton have not had a homegrown talent of Rooney’s caliber since his departure. In Rigg, they may finally have found a player with the potential to fill that void and become a cornerstone of the team for years to come as they enter an exciting new chapter.

While £38 million represents a significant outlay, Rigg’s impressive statistics and enormous potential suggest he could prove to be a shrewd long-term investment for Everton as they look to re-establish themselves as a Premier League force.