Rigg, Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Sun 30 March 2025 13:01, UK
Graham Potter will be looking forward to the summer transfer window as the first opportunity to really put his stamp on the West Ham United team.
The boss has had a slow and inconsistent start to life in East London but has done enough to steady the ship, taking his side 17 points clear of the relegation zone.
Chris Rigg is one man on Potter’s radar as the 17-year-old has shone in the Championship for North-East side Sunderland this season, but his current side may drive a hard bargain.
West Ham's London Stadium
London Stadium, home of West Ham United. (Credit: Imago)
Sunderland name Rigg price
It’s no surprise that Potter would be looking at a teenage talent given he has already shown his ability to work with young players and develop them to first-team talents.
While Potter will have some money to spend this summer, he has to be shrewd in his business with a number of new additions needed in his side.
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With that in mind, the Irons have locked in a valuation they see fit of £10million, which is not too surprising for someone who would be taking the step up to Premier League football.
Furthermore, it had been reported that Rigg’s omission from the England Under-19s squad would prompt him to seek a new challenge assuming Sunderland stayed in the second tier.
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Rigg has been in great Championship form this season.
However, according to Alan Nixon (30 March), if West Ham are keen on his services they may be required to reach the “crazy” £40million asking price set by the Black Cats.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan has to back Graham Potter this summer. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham should seek to strike a deal on Rigg
It’s understandable that Sunderland would value their asset highly as they won’t be keen on losing his services, but it doesn’t mean West Ham will have to reach that figure, especially if Rigg is seeking an exit himself.
The Black Cats do occupy a play-off spot, meaning there is a chance they could return to the Premier League this season, but given how competitive it is in the Championship, it will not be an easy task.
Rigg is only 17 years old, and while he looks like he has plenty of talent to succeed, he cannot be worth the asking price set by his club.
He will know, though, that in order to reach his top potential he has to be competing at the highest levels possible to him. Under Potter, West Ham is an attractive prospect for a player like him.
It may be a crazy valuation but David Sullivan should put the effort into negotiating this one and backing Potter in order to bring success to East London.
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