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“Crystal Palace should break the bank to secure him immediately his talent is now beyond Newcastle Paul Gascoigne but £20million won’t get him out of Sunderland”- Sunderland star compared to Newcastle United icon as Crystal Palace told ‘break the bank’
Chris Rigg’s Stellar Season Has Top Clubs Watching Closely
Sunderland’s Chris Rigg has been making headlines all season—and for all the right reasons. The 17-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the standout players in the Championship, with his impressive performances putting him at the centre of attention, both locally and nationally.
Rigg’s rise has been meteoric. In just 13 Championship appearances this season, he’s scored three goals and is widely regarded as Sunderland’s best player, with many praising his standout performance in their recent match against Preston. His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, with major clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United already linked to the young star. Of these, Manchester United are believed to be the frontrunners, and many expect Rigg to make a move away from the Stadium of Light in 2025.
Recently, Crystal Palace has also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Rigg. Known for recruiting young Championship talents like Ebere Eze, Adam Wharton, and Michael Olise, Palace is reportedly keen to add Rigg to their ranks.
Carlton Palmer Compares Chris Rigg to Paul Gascoigne
Pundit Carlton Palmer spoke to Football League World about Rigg’s exceptional form, even comparing the young star to legendary England and Newcastle United midfielder Paul Gascoigne.
Palmer praised Rigg’s talent, saying: “I think he’s the best young talent in the Championship. But £20 million won’t be enough to prise him away from Sunderland.”
Palmer believes Sunderland won’t sell Rigg for a relatively modest fee, especially given their strong promotion push. “Sunderland won’t let him go for £20 million. They’re at the top of the league and are focused on securing Premier League promotion. If they do decide to sell Rigg, it will be for far more than that.”
He went on to make a bold comparison: “The last player to come out of Sunderland with this kind of talent was Paul Gascoigne. This boy is in that class, so Sunderland won’t be selling him cheaply.”
Palmer also commented on Crystal Palace’s interest, saying: “I understand why Palace are keen on him. I’m sure they’ll look to make a move in January, but £20 million won’t cut it for Rigg, that’s for sure.”
Manchester United Leading the Race for Chris Rigg
Manchester United are widely believed to be in pole position to sign Rigg. Sources close to Sunderland confirmed in October that United are the favourites to secure his signature, with former Manchester United and Sunderland scout Mick Brown revealing that the Red Devils have been scouting Rigg regularly throughout the season.
Given Rigg’s impressive form, it’s likely that bids will come in during the January transfer window. However, with Sunderland sitting atop the Championship and aiming for Premier League promotion, they are unlikely to sell easily. Any interested party—whether it’s Manchester United, Crystal Palace, or another club—will need to make a serious offer to pry Rigg away.
Manchester United certainly have the financial muscle to make a move, and they have shown a clear interest in snapping up young talents like Rigg. But for now, the ball is in the court of Sunderland’s owners, who have demonstrated a strong resolve when it comes to holding onto their prized assets.
Sunderland will be back in action this Saturday at 3pm, when they host Coventry City in another key Championship clash.
