One Sunderland youngster has been told how to approach interest from potential Premier League suitors.
Throughout the 2024/25 Championship season, Sunderland’s fine form has proven to be a double-edged sword, with Premier League sides keeping tabs on several players shining on Wearside.
Tommy Watson was linked to Brighton on deadline day, but the deal didn’t quite go the distance, whilst Sunderland captain Dan Neil has attracted Everton and West Ham, who both looked to attain the 24-year-old’s services in January.
However, no players have amassed as much interest as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. Bellingham attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, whilst Rigg, one of the finest prospects to emerge from the Academy of Light, has been linked to several clubs at Premier League level.
Manchester United have shown interest in Rigg, leading one former England man to indicate what Rigg should do in the next stage of his career.
Carlton Palmer urges Chris Rigg to stay at Sunderland amid Man United interest
Sunderland star Rigg has played a crucial role in Regis Le Bris’ side so far this season, having accumulated 30 Championship appearances under the French boss.
There aren’t many finer prospects in England, let alone the Championship and the fact that he is playing at such a regular consistency at just 17-years-old is truly reflective of his incredible potential.
With the ability he has shown at such a young age, Premier League sides have shown their interest in Rigg, but he has been advised to continue his stay on Wearside.
Per Football League World, former England international Carlton Palmer said: “For me, right now, you stay where you are. You’re 17 years of age, you’re learning your trade. You’re going to be in the play-offs this season, you could well be in the Premier League.
“I mean, it’s inevitable Chris Rigg will leave Sunderland because he’s destined for big things in the game, but at his age, what you don’t want to be doing is going to the likes of Arsenal and Man United and sitting on the bench, you’ve got to you’ve got to be playing football on a regular basis.”
Previous Chris Rigg transfer decision will fill Black Cats fans with hope
Sunderland fans will hope that Rigg continues his stay at the Stadium of Light, whether Le Bris’ side achieves promotion this season or not.
Whilst it will certainly prove to be an uphill struggle to attain the youngster for the foreseeable future, with Premier League sides flocking, his decision that he made this summer may be an indicator of where he will play next season.
Before the 2024/25 campaign kicked off, he had interest from noisy neighbours Newcastle United, but Rigg committed his future to Sunderland, proceeding to sign a new contract to increase his stay on Wearside.
Sunderland’s general attitude surrounding youngsters is overwhelmingly positive, and Rigg must be aware that, as Palmer says, game time wouldn’t be as readily available in the Premier League, and whilst Le Bris is the coach with the Black Cats, he has that guarantee of being a focal point in a top Championship side.