Chris Rigg put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at Sunderland yesterday.
The midfielder’s future was in major doubt as he headed towards the second of his two-year scholarship deal on Wearside.
Rigg was able to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday last month, but Sunderland faced huge competition from some of the biggest clubs in the world for his signature.
The 17-year-old was said to be wary about extending his stay until the club had appointed a new manager, and it took only a matter of days after meeting Regis Le Bris that he was convinced to remain at the Stadium of Light.
After rumours emerged that he was set to sign a new contract on Monday, the club confirmed his new deal the following day with X posts that read ‘Chris Rigg is Red and White’ and ‘Chris Rigg, Ole Ole Ole’.
Chris Rigg wants to ‘develop’ at Sunderland
As well as fans quickly becoming ecstatic, the teenager shared his delight at signing his first professional deal and explained why he decided to stay at Sunderland.
Speaking to the club, Rigg said: “I am absolutely buzzing, to be honest.
“I just want to develop as a player, to be honest with you. I think I’ve still got so much more in my game I can develop. I still want to play minutes like I did at the end of last season and just like I mentioned in another interview, just to try and hit them targets that I’ve set for myself.”
After falling out of favour under Michael Beale, Mike Dodds brought Rigg into the team permanently following his temporary appointment earlier this year.
The youngster started eight of the last 13 matches in the Championship and was arguably one of their most ‘dangerous’ players, encouraging heavy interest across Europe.
The Black Cats’ biggest signing of the summer
Rigg had become a key player for the Black Cats at only 16 years old and the promise of an even bigger role next season gave the club a huge boost in contract negotiations.
He clearly isn’t stupid and understands very well that he needs to develop as a player before throwing himself into a team like Liverpool, where he would be playing youth football for the next couple of years anyway.
It is the correct decision from Rigg and also an unbelievable coup for Sunderland, who could undoubtedly rake in eight-figures when he does eventually leave now.