Sunderland’s brightest talents are attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe with the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg ‘exciting’ scouts from the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Sunderland have all but confirmed their Championship play-off place, but will now face added pressure to ensure they gain promotion to the top tier, as we can exclusively reveal some of Regis Le Bris’ brightest talents are attracting interest elsewhere.
Le Bris’ side are well within the race for promotion after Sunderland’s 1-0 victory against Millwall on Saturday. Meanwhile, talents such as Sunderland full-back Trai Hume have been tracked by Fulham, and defensive-midfielder Dan Neil being scouted by Roma.
Arguably the Sunderland man with the most interest in his signature this summer is dynamic midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with Bellingham wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, and some top-flight German sides.
Bayern Munich among Bundesliga clubs tracking Jobe Bellingham
A recent development with Bellingham has highlighted which of Europe’s top clubs remain ‘well informed’ on the former Birmingham youngster, given the connection with his now infamous footballing family name.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey explained to Sunderland AFC News that one former Sunderland coach could be influential in Bellingham’s next move, which looks increasingly likely to be abroad, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude.
He said: “The news of German interest in Jobe Bellingham is not new, he had interest from the Bundesliga before he even moved to Sunderland – obviously due to his name.
“But, Bellingham’s form in the last 18 months has got many scouts excited by his progress. And it is true for the likes of Leipzig, Bayern and Leverkusen are all keen, while there is also Dortmund.
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“Dortmund are interested given they have their UK scout in the shape of Daniel Dodds – the brother of former Sunderland coach Mike Dodds (now Wycombe boss) – so it is not hard to see why they are so well informed of Bellingham.”
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
As well as Bellingham, another Sunderland midfield starlet has been courting the attention of the German giants.
Chris Rigg attracting interest from Bundesliga clubs
Transfer expert Bailey further revealed that the aforementioned German outfits also “love” Chris Rigg and bode a possible next destination for the 17-year-old starlet.
Bailey added: “But there is also Chris Rigg – the German clubs ‘love’ him too, could both players’ next adventures be in the Bundesliga? I would not rule it out. However, we know there is extensive Premier League interest in both. No matter, it’s going to be a busy and interesting summer for both.”
Also, Everton and West Ham have recently registered interest in Rigg, but Sunderland’s firm stance on the 17-year-old’s transfer evaluation seems likely to deter their approach.
A move across Europe to the Bundesliga for a talented English youngster would not be out of the ordinary.
Key Championship statistics Chris Rigg for Sunderland so far this season
Games played 35
Goals 4
Assists 1
Chances created 38
Duels won 144
Yellow cards 7
Chris Rigg’s Championship stats for Sunderland so far in 2024-25 season
With Jude Bellingham’s glistening career molded during his three-season stint at Dortmund, and Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho enjoying his best football to date at the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund have become well recognised for their impressive development of elite young prospects.
READ MORE: The Sunderland star who proved he’s player of the season in Millwall display
Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg Sunderland futures rest on this season
In the words of transfer expert Bailey, Sunderland are prepared for a ‘busy’ summer transfer window with the duo of Bellingham and Rigg attracting the highest degree of serious interest.
Sunderland Head Coach Le Bris has made the Black Cats duo are still part of the club’s long-term “project” with neither player showing signs of having their head turned.
He told the Sunderland Echo: “They are really mature; they are young but really mature because they didn’t show so far any weaknesses about their involvement in the club project.”
Given Sunderland paid an initial £1.5million for Bellingham in the summer of 2023 and Rigg is an Academy of Light graduate, the current interest is a token of Sunderland’s brilliance in their development and could lead to huge profits for the club.
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
In the current market, considering former Leeds starlet Archie Gray’s £30million move to Spurs last summer, it is clear the duo would fetch Sunderland an impressive return on investment.
Sunderland’s valuation of the pair has been amplified under the guidance of sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, with Bellingham under Sunderland contract until the summer of 2028, and Rigg until 2027.
For the Sunderland supporters, it would be heartbreaking to lose two of the country’s finest midfield prospects this summer.
Sunderland’s season seems destined for the play-offs, and the best way for the club to bat away the serious interest in Bellingham and Rigg this summer is to ensure that they are a Premier League club once more come the end of this Championship campaign.