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“Unbelievable Transfer Shock: Pundit Reveals What It Will Take for Nottingham Forest to Snatch Sunderland’s Rising Stars
“£70m for the pair” – Pundit reacts as Nottingham Forest plot double Sunderland AFC raid
Carlton Palmer has shared his assessment of what he believes Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson are worth amid growing transfer interest, particularly ahead of the January window.
Rigg, a 17-year-old talent, has been at the center of significant transfer speculation due to his impressive performances, which have drawn the attention of some of the world’s top clubs. Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, recently reported that Nottingham Forest are the latest club to express interest in Rigg. Nixon also notes that Forest have been monitoring 18-year-old Tommy Watson for several years.
Forest joins a growing list of clubs showing interest in Rigg, including heavyweights like Manchester United and Real Madrid. As for Watson, the interest is no surprise, as Brighton had a seven-figure bid for him rejected last summer.
While the likelihood of either player leaving Sunderland in January is slim, interest in the pair is expected to intensify. According to Palmer, “For Sunderland to even consider offers in January, you’re looking at £70m for both players.”
Palmer exclusively told FLW: “These two young talents—Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson—are attracting serious attention, with Nottingham Forest among the clubs keen on them. Sunderland are top of the league, performing brilliantly this season. It’s hard to see them selling either player unless someone offers a significant amount. They’re in a great position right now and could even be looking at automatic promotion to the Premier League. They might end up playing alongside Nottingham Forest themselves.”
He continued: “Chris Rigg is arguably the standout talent in the Championship, and Watson is having a breakthrough season. The list of interested clubs is long, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and European giants like Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Brighton and Palace have both been eyeing Watson for his potential on the wing, as they’re looking to strengthen in that position, but both players are destined for big futures.”
“At the moment, Sunderland are flying high, sitting top of the league with 31 points going into the international break. Unless someone comes along with an offer of at least £30-35m for each player, Sunderland won’t even entertain bids. The value of these youngsters is only going to rise as they continue to perform.”
Palmer believes Rigg and Watson should remain at Sunderland for the time being. The club’s impressive form this season, led by manager Regis Le Bris, has made them a magnet for attention, but the young players’ development would be best served by staying with the Black Cats.
Both Watson and Rigg are at crucial stages in their careers, with Watson in his third season at Sunderland but his first regular appearance in the first team, and Rigg emerging as a key figure this season after making his mark last year.
Sunderland, with an average squad age of just 23.3 years—the youngest in the Championship—has built a philosophy under Le Bris that emphasizes youth development. This strategy, outlined by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, has already reaped rewards. Under Le Bris, both Rigg and Watson are thriving, and Palmer believes their immediate future should remain at the Stadium of Light.
