Prior to the upcoming season, the team is hoping to add some reinforcements.
Despite Newcastle United’s injury crisis this season, manager Eddie Howe has been able to offer several young players in the team crucial first-team experience.
With 36 Premier League outings between them this season, Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson have benefited the Magpies the most.
Despite his youth, 18-year-old Miley has blossomed under Howe, emerging as a vital member of the Newcastle team following the injuries and suspensions of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, respectively.
With four goals and four assists overall, he has made a decent contribution in his first professional campaign for such a young player.
Following Miley’s outstanding debut in the first squad under Howe, the Saudi PIF and Magpies manager ought to intensify their efforts to sign another teenage player who has been connected to a transfer to the team.
Newcastle interested in 16-year-old talent this summer
Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that Newcastle is in competition with Manchester United for the signing of 16-year-old Chris Rigg, a prospect from Sunderland who is “increasingly likely” to leave his current team.
The box-to-box midfielder, who plays in the Championship now, has been a standout for the Black Cats even if the team hasn’t been able to go back into the Premier League.
Despite his young age, the young player has had an amazing breakthrough season, scoring twice in 21 games this season.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa have all expressed interest in the prodigy, who is reportedly valued around £250k, according to Transfermarkt, despite the attention shown by the Magpies and United.
Why Rigg & Miley could be the future of Newcastle
Given the fact Rigg and Miley are both still aged just 16 & 17 respectively, the pair could prove to be the future of Newcastle, with the duo not looking out of place so far this season throughout their respective campaigns.
As previous manager Tony Mowbray put it, the “Roy Keane-esque” young player has amassed some impressive stats in England’s second tier this season. Rigg’s ability to win balls is demonstrated by his two tackles per ninety.
Additionally, despite playing in a lower-quality level, he has averaged 4.2 progressive passes per 90, which is higher than that of current Magpies player Miley.
| Rigg vs Miley in 2023/24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Rigg | Miley |
| Tackles | 2 | 2.5 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.6 | 0.6 |
| Progressive passes | 4.2 | 4 |
| Pass completion | 76% | 82% |
| Progressive carries | 2.4 | 1.1 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1.5 |
| Stats via FBref | ||
Rigg blows Miley out of the water when it comes to progressive carries with the ball, with his tally of 2.4 per 90 more than double than that of the 17-year-old who can only muster 1.1, with the pair seemingly showcasing a complementary mix of talents to make them an effective partnership.
There’s no disputing the Sunderland youngster’s quality, especially given he is just 16, with the club needing to push hard this summer to invest in a potential gem for the future.
With the Magpies needing to focus on both the present and the future as they attempt to win a Champions League position next season, he would be Miley’s ideal partner in the future.
Although the Black Cats could be hesitant to give up such a talent to their fierce rivals, if Howe’s team makes a good offer for Rigg, the team might have little choice but to accept it because the midfielder’s family is well-known for being ardent Newcastle supporters.
Undoubtedly a contentious agreement, but it would be imprudent for the Magpies to pass it up.
