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“Exclusive: Kristjaan Speakman breaks silence on Chris Rigg’s future at Sunderland. What transfer rumors mean for his career?
The Sunderland star continues to draw significant attention following an impressive start to the season. Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, has candidly addressed Chris Rigg’s future at the club, expressing a desire to keep the teenage talent for as long as possible, while acknowledging that “sometimes players will progress faster than the club.”
The young midfielder has been a standout performer in Sunderland’s strong early season, establishing himself as a key player under Regis Le Bris and scoring two goals. As a result, he has become a target for several prominent clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United.
In a detailed interview with The Second Tier podcast, Speakman discussed the speculation surrounding Rigg. When asked about his rise, he said: “I’m really pleased for him; he’s such a good kid. There was a lot of speculation last season about whether he would stay after coming out of the U21 team and his academy contract. For our club to retain talent like that is a very positive thing.
“However, we need to believe in that talent and give them opportunities, which Rigg has taken advantage of. I hope his success inspires other players in our academy to seize their chances when they arise.”
When asked about the growing interest in Rigg, Speakman remarked, “Interest is a backhanded compliment. Would we prefer a squad full of talent that other clubs are trying to acquire or a group that nobody is interested in? It’s an easy question. We aim to manage our contracts and squad effectively to provide opportunities while aligning with the players.
“I’ve always said that sometimes players will progress quicker than the club, and new opportunities may arise for them. We lost young Jack Clarke to Ipswich over the summer, which is just how the football system works. We’re fine with that; we’ll handle each situation as it comes.”
Speakman was also asked about Rigg’s potential in the professional game. He replied, “I believe we need to be cautious about overhyping young players. It’s essential not to set a ceiling on their potential, as everyone has to reach their own limits. Some will make it to the Champions League, while others may play in League Two. Chris has the mentality and credentials to compete at the highest level. However, getting there is difficult—only a few succeed. We will do everything possible to support him during his time with us.
“Like any young player, he should aspire to play at the highest level, dreaming of representing England and competing in a Champions League final. I’ve seen it happen, so I know it’s possible. Throughout the journey, there will be skeptics, but the player must believe in himself. He should maintain the same ambition he had when he joined at nine years old, dreaming of playing for Sunderland. Players like him, Dan Neil, and Anthony Patterson are all making strides, which is fantastic.”
