Sunderland’s young squad may be putting in impressive displays on the pitch, but that means they’re also catching the eye of the biggest clubs in Europe, too.
Regis Le Bris is blessed to have an abundance of top teenage talent in his Sunderland side, and the exciting crop of youngsters is currently on course for a play-off spot this season.
Still, while the Sunderland squad has a great balance to it right now, there is of course the risk that those foundations could be torn apart by transfer interest in the January transfer window and beyond.
Naturally, the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are constantly linked with moves away from the Stadium of Light, but one wonderkid is more than happy to stick around.
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Chris Rigg is very happy to stay at Sunderland, for now
According to sources at the Sunderland Echo, Rigg would not be interested in a move in January as he wants to continue his development at his boyhood club for the foreseeable future.
That is despite reported interest from Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and even local rivals Newcastle United, among others.
Rigg apparently has no intentions of leaving anytime soon, and it is thought any speculation over his future is being steered by those outside of Sunderland.
The fact that he is playing regularly, and is seemingly getting the support he needs from Le Bris right now, leaves Rigg in no doubt that his immediate future lies with Sunderland, and that a move away would not serve his best interests at this time.
Indeed, Rigg is showing consistent signs of improvement under Le Bris, and wants that to continue as he enjoys the working relationship he shares with his manager.
Chris Rigg will eventually land at a top club, but Sunderland can benefit from transfer
If Sunderland can keep hold of Rigg in January, it would be a massive boost for their promotion hopes this season.
| Statistics | Chris Rigg 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass success | 75.7% |
| Shot-creating actions per 90 | 3.06 |
Of course, if the Black Cats were to go up this year, they would very likely be able to retain the likes of Rigg, Jobe, and any other coveted star among their ranks for at least another season.
One day, though, it is highly likely Rigg will move on and secure a switch to one of the biggest clubs in England or abroad. But, when Rigg does go, he will bring in ‘huge money’ for Sunderland, and that can be incredibly useful to the club in the long-term.
Sunderland have consistently been successful in nurturing young talent and selling on for big profits, and it is then all about how they reinvest that money that determines how the next cycle of the club’s progress will go.
With so many incredible young players in the Sunderland squad at the moment, the Black Cats could well end up earning a pretty penny in the next year or two.