A former England midfielder has indicated that Sunderland star Chris Rigg could likely leave the club in due course.
Sunderland were surprisingly handed their first defeat of the 2024/25 Championship league season on the road against Plymouth Argyle.
It was quite the blip for Regis Le Bris’ side, who still showed their firepower in the final third with Romaine Mundle shining once again, however defensive mistakes led to the 3-2 loss at Home Park.
The Black Cats will be looking to bounce back in positive fashion against Middlesbrough, and they certainly have the players at their disposal to do so, especially in the centre-of-the-park.
The likes of Chris Rigg, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham have been revelations for Le Bris’ side, however Rigg is one player that has been tipped to leave the club soon by a former England international.
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Former England international Carlton Palmer rates the chances of Chris Rigg Sunderland departure
Sunderland youngster Rigg has more than impressed so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and there will be no surprises to see the top clubs around Europe circling for the midfielder when the next transfer window comes around.
Former England international Carlton Palmer has praised Rigg for his ability levels this season, however expressed the likelihood of him leaving the club.
Per Football League World, Palmer said: “You want to have young players come into the side. You look at Jack Clarke, he came into the side, he was exceptional, and he’s got a move to Ipswich in the Premier League.
“This is the model that Sunderland adopt, which is giving young players an opportunity, developing them, and selling them on.
“If somebody comes in with a big offer, they will let the player go, so we’ll have to see what happens.
“As a young kid, at 17, he’s played in the first-team, which is an outstanding achievement in itself, but if a big club comes knocking, then he’ll move on.
“If Sunderland are promoted, it gives them more chance of keeping Rigg, but even if they were in the Premier League and if the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, you’re talking about two big powerhouses, come in for him, then of course he’s going to consider leaving.”
Sunderland must prepare for life without Chris Rigg
There are no doubts that Rigg will be wanted in January and the summer if he stays until the end of the season.
He has shown proof to be one of the best prospects in world football by getting consistent game time at such a high level at the age-of-17, and there are no doubts he will only continue to progress in his development.
Sunderland’s midfield options are brilliant at this moment, however there must be long-term planning in the works from Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman over whether they will look towards the academy for their next talents or scout on the transfer market early and ensure they have a plan B if Rigg does move on.
He would undoubtedly be a massive loss for Sunderland if he was to move on, and whilst staying at Sunderland could be the best option for his development as a result of the guaranteed first team game time, a move to a European giant may be too good to turn down for the youngster and Speakman must prepare for the inevitability of that happening.