Liverpool and Chelsea eye this wonder kid wanted by Arsenal also
Liverpool and Chelsea are pushing hard to sign 16-year-old Eirik Granaas from Fredrikstad FK, with Arsenal also keeping an eye on the Norwegian midfielder, per a TEAMtalk report. Many top clubs see the teenager as a top-tier prospect with the potential to become a major creative spark. His vision and technical ability have already earned him comparisons to fellow countryman Martin Ødegaard. Granaas made headlines as one of the youngest players to ever feature in the Eliteserien. He mostly plays in central midfield but likes to push into attacking roles, where he’s known for finding space between the lines and picking out clever passes.
Liverpool and Chelsea are frontrunners for Eirik Granaas as Arsenal track Norwegian starlet
So far in the 2026 Eliteserien season, the youngster hasn’t played massive minutes, but he recently netted his first senior goal. His performances so far have shown a level of composure on the ball that is uncommon at his age. While Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, and even Real Madrid are reportedly in contention, Liverpool and Chelsea seem to be making the most noise right now. Fredrikstad FK have him under contract until December 2027 and have slapped a price tag of roughly €400,000 on him. However, that figure would likely jump quickly if Premier League teams start a bidding war over his high potential.
Scouts really like how Granaas uses his quick thinking and tight ball control to create chances, traits that fit perfectly in a modern midfield. He still needs to bulk up and improve his defensive work rate, but more time in a senior environment should help him work on those over the next few years. Since Premier League clubs have a solid track record of developing kids like this, a move to England could fast-track Granas’ career, likely starting out in the youth ranks or getting a run in cup games.
Which club is the best fit for Eirik Granaas right now?
Liverpool look like a better spot than Chelsea for him at the moment, mainly because they have a clearer track record of slowly bringing youth players into the first team. They tend to be more patient with their integration. Liverpool’s tactical style also rewards technical players who can control the tempo from the middle of the pitch. That kind of environment would let Granaas focus on his creativity without the immediate pressure of having to be a defensive anchor, which is something he hasn’t quite mastered yet. Chelsea, on the other hand, often juggle massive squads and expect players to sink or swim quickly. That’s a risky move for a 16-year-old who only has a few senior appearances under his belt.
None of these teams should be throwing massive money at him this summer if they actually care about his growth; Granaas just needs to be playing regular football at a level that suits him. Liverpool could find the right middle ground by signing him early and either loaning him back or putting him in an academy that has consistently turned out first-team regulars.
Chelsea have the cash, but there are always questions about whether their raw prospects actually get a fair shot during their constant squad rebuilds. Granaas is clearly talented when it comes to vision and moving the ball forward, but he has to get stronger and more disciplined positionally to survive in England. A steady, measured move to Liverpool seems like the smartest play for his long-term future.
Fredrikstad won’t let him go for cheap, but a solid offer from Liverpool or Chelsea might force their hand in the next few weeks. Things are moving fast, and fans are waiting to see where the talented teen ends up.
Rohit Sarkar
