According to a recent report by the Sun, Liverpool are among a whole host of clubs monitoring the progress of West Bromwich Albion youngster Rico Richards. However, the same source has also claimed that the Reds could face competition from Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur if they decide to make a move for the talented teenager.
It is believed that Richards’ contract with the Baggies expires next year, so Slaven Bilić is keen to offer him a new deal to keep him at the Hawthorns for the near future (via the Sun). The West Midlands side have lost quite a few promising youngsters to bigger clubs in recent years. Hence, they cannot afford to lose another one of their outstanding young players without putting up a fight.
What Makes Richards Such A Highly Sought-After Prospect?
Richards, who turned 16 back in September, has already been part of a few training sessions with the Baggies Under-23 team. He has caught the eye with his goal-scoring and creative displays at the youth level. The West Brom whizkid scored a memorable goal for the England Under-17’s on his debut earlier this year.
The 16-year-old is also highly versatile as he can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder in the number ten position. Hence, it is no surprise that some of the biggest clubs in England are tracking Richards as he undeniably has the potential to become a future star in English football.
Is Richards A Star In The Making?
The Baggies rising star enjoys linking up play with others around him and can also contribute by scoring a few goals up top. The fact that Richards in training with the West Brom U-23 side means that he would be able to develop faster with stronger, faster and more experienced players around him.
There is no doubt that the young English playmaker is a prospect for the future so Liverpool will do well to bring him to Merseyside. Richards would be able to link up with his England U-17 teammate Harvey Elliott if he decided to join the Reds. The pair could be a part of the next generation of players at Anfield. In Trent Alexander-Arnold, they will also have a perfect role model as the Liverpool defender has defied all odds to break out as a world-class player in his position.
However, Richards is still quite raw and would need time to develop his game before he is ready to play at the senior level.
