Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is attracting increasing interest from European clubs.
Before signing a new contract with Sunderland this summer, the 17-year-old Rigg had been linked with several top European teams. He is now committed to the Stadium of Light until 2027. However, his strong start to the 2024/25 Championship season has kept him in the transfer spotlight.
Recent reports indicate that major European clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, are monitoring the English talent, who has featured in Sunderland’s last three league matches.
Rigg has become a crucial player for Sunderland this season under manager Regis Le Bris. BBC pundit Simon Pryde has noted that Sunderland will need to secure promotion to retain Rigg. Another BBC commentator, Marco Gabbiadini, has shared his thoughts on the growing interest in Rigg and potential challenges Sunderland might face.
Gabbiadini pointed out that Sunderland’s current status as a Championship team might limit their ability to command a high transfer fee for Rigg. Players with top-level experience in Europe’s leading leagues often fetch £40-£50 million, and if Rigg is sold for £10-£20 million, it would represent a significant bargain for interested clubs.
Gabbiadini also highlighted that if Sunderland fails to secure promotion, Rigg’s value might remain capped at around £20 million. However, if Sunderland does achieve promotion, Rigg’s market value could rise substantially, potentially reaching £40 million if he performs well in the Premier League.
For Sunderland and their management, securing promotion could be crucial to maximizing Rigg’s transfer value and retaining other key players.
