Former Everton coach David Unsworth admits the Premier League outfit tried to sign Wigan Athletic youngster James Carragher but ‘couldn’t agree a deal’, speaking to The Athletic.
The son of Liverpool legend Jamie, Carragher Jr came close to following in his father footsteps a year ago, albeit on the other side of Stanley Park.
Everton held talks with the 6ft 4ins central defender. A deal fell through, however, shortly before Carragher signed his first ever professional contract at the DW Stadium.
And, in an interesting twist of fate, the 19-year-old is now working alongside Unsworth at Oldham Athletic. Unsworth was appointed as the Latics boss on September 20th, with Carragher arriving less than a week later.
Wigan Athletic backed out of Everton deal for James Carragher
“I tried to get him 12 months ago when I was at Everton,” explains Unsworth, who guided Everton’s U23s to a pair of Premier League 2 titles. “But we couldn’t agree a deal with Wigan.
“So, when I got this job (at Oldham) and realised he was available for loan, I was straight on the phone. He has got the right character and he wants to learn.
“It’s a challenge for him but he’s shown he has the bravery to come out of his comfortable environment and stick his neck on the line. I respect that. He is going to be a really good player and he’s turning from a boy into a man with us.”
Teenager Carragher has made five league appearances for Wigan thus far. Scottish Premiership giants Rangers also expressed an interest in the summer of 2021.
“(It’s) incredible, just the way he tackles,” ex-England international Kevin Phillips said on Quest’s EFL highights show following Carragher’s professional debut in Wigan colours.
“It’s great to see a young lad leaving a club like Liverpool because he wants to go and play football. Maybe there’s a bit of influence from his dad, but he looks like he’s going to be a hot prospect.
“I’m really looking forward now to watching him develop over the years.”
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