Sunderland are now in a race against the clock to earn promotion. And not winning the race could cost Kyril Louis-Dreyfus millions.
Sunderland are seemingly back on track in their quest to return to the Premier League, following their relegation from the English top flight in 2017.
After seven gruelling years, with this being their third back in the Championship, the Black Cats look like possible title challengers in the early stages of the campaign.
Although it’s early doors for Regis Le Bris, he’s galvanised a Sunderland side that widely disappointed last season with a 16th place finish in the final Championship table.
But after a 1-0 win vs Middlesbrough at the weekend, Sunderland now sit in 2nd behind only West Brom, with the two having been the standout teams in the Championship so far this season.
Chris Rigg scored the winner vs Boro. The 17-year-old put the ball in the back of the net with his heel as he continues his impressive form this season, which has seen reports link Real Madrid with an interest in Rigg.
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Sunderland facing expensive race against clock with Chris Rigg in form
Rigg has arguably been the story of Sunderland’s season so far.
Under Le Bris, Rigg has become a very important member of the first-team, showing against Boro that despite his young age, he can more than hold his own in the Championship.
Along with Real Madrid, the likes of Borussia Dortmund are also interested in Rigg, with reports that Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all scouted the teenager.
Rigg signed his first professional contract with Sunderland during the summer after his two-year scholarship ended.
He’s currently contracted at the Stadium of Light until 2027. With interest growing, and having been rife before he signed a new contract, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will surely be wondering what interest, or offers, might come in for Rigg next year.
And if Sunderland don’t earn promotion this season then it could prove very costly where Rigg is concerned.
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Sunderland need promotion to get full Chris Rigg value
The fact that Rigg is currently playing in the Championship makes him, possibly at the very most right now, a £20million player.
That undoubtedly makes him an attractive option for teams who want a top young talent, but don’t want to pay huge amounts of money.
Though if Sunderland earn promotion, then Rigg’s transfer value surely shoots up, even if he doesn’t play in the Premier League.
Sunderland will also have the added funding of the Premier League which means they won’t have to part ways with Rigg for any amount they don’t deem fair.
Sunderland then certainly seem to be facing a race against the clock where Rigg’s future is concerned. But right now, he and the club will be focused o his development.