Sunderland's Chris Rigg
Sunderland's Chris Rigg (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Sunderland have been handed a fresh transfer warning over the future of talented midfielder Chris Rigg. The youngster has emerged as a target for a number of Premier League clubs.
Rigg is one of the most admired players outside of the top flight after bursting on to the scene as a 15-year-old three seasons ago. The Hebburn-born player became the second youngest player in Sunderland's history when he made his debut against Shrewsbury in January 2023.
His performances since, either in attack or the centre of the park, have attracted interest from a host of clubs. Chronicle Live revealed last week that Newcastle United are keen on making a move for Rigg in a deal that would send shockwaves around North East football.
The Magpies will be armed with a substantial transfer kitty this summer, but would have to part with around £25million to land the 17-year-old. One of the problems they also face is the competition for his signature, with West Ham United weighing up a summer swoop while the likes of Manchester United and Man City having also regularly scouted Rigg.
Man United, in particular, have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for Rigg and also his teammate Jobe Bellingham. United's new ownership group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are understood to be looking at attracting some of the best young talent to the club before they become top level players, and have already brought in the likes of 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
Former Sunderland star Michael Gray isn't surprised at the level of interest in the teenager. He believes Rigg is a 'superstar' in the making and knows that Premier League clubs will feel they can get the player for a bargain fee while he's still playing in the Championship.
“Well I think speculation is never going to go away,” Gray told Betfred. “If you’ve got talented players and they’re playing every single week in the Championship and they’re continuously getting better, then the Premier League clubs are going to have a look and try and sign them now because they’re going to get them for cheaper.
“Chris Rigg is in that bracket because he’s an outstanding talent, has a wonderful left-foot, has a great turn of pace and he’s got an eye for goal.
“I think he grows every time you see him play and now he’s an England U19 player too. It was nice to see Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham stay at Sunderland because there was speculation in January, but they’re two talented players and whoever gets them are getting superstars.”
Rigg has played 36 times this campaign - featuring in all but four Championship games - scoring four goals and contributing one assist as Sunderland challenge for promotion back to the Premier League. His form has been one of the key factors in Regis Le Bris' side's surge to the play-offs.
Sunderland will be hoping they can keep hold of the player for a little while longer, and promotion to the Premier League will certainly help that. The Black Cats sit fourth in the Championship table.
Rigg and Bellingham were jointly named North East Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year last month. Along with Trai Hume and winger Tommy Watson, they form an exciting, youthful line-up for Le Bris.
However, Sunderland revealed last night that they have already agreed the sale of Watson to Brighton in the summer. The 18-year-old will move for around £10m, with Sunderland also agreeing a 30% sell-on clause.