Chris Rigg reacts as Sunderland exit officially confirmed
Sunderland have already said goodbye to one academy product this summer in Tommy Watson.
Watson left the parting gift of a play-off winning goal to seal a return to the Premier League, before moving to Brighton for £10million.
Jobe Belingham also departed for Borussia Dortmund in a deal that has aided the Black Cats’ mammoth spending so far this summer.
Chris Rigg has been absent from the Wearsiders’ pre-season, and he has now reacted to another exit being confirmed at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland youngster leaves the Stadium of Light
Many expected Rigg to play a part in Sunderland’s pre-season friendly against Sporting CP; however, he was absent from the squad.
Rigg withdrew from England’s squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with an ankle injury in June; hence, he has not played since.
While there is no long-term damage to his ankle, it is understandable that Regis Le Bris is yet to field him.
The Black Cats have plenty of pre-season friendlies still to play, and there will be hope that the teenager can play some part ahead of the Premier League starting.
One youngster who was on the bench against Sporting CP was Matt Young, and he came on late to play some minutes.
| Matt Young’s 2024/25 League Two statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 20 (20) |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
| Goals conceded per game | 0.9 |
| Saves per game | 2.1 (70% |
| Goals conceded | 18 |
| Saves | 42 |
However, Sunderland confirmed on their Instagram (24 July) that the goalkeeper has now rejoined Salford City on loan for the 2025/26 season.
Rigg liked the post along with Black Cats chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Nectarios Traintis, and Adil Aouchiche.
Young to follow Jordan Pickford and Anthony Patterson
The 18-year-old spent last season at Salford City and will continue to develop in a familiar environment.
Last campaign, the Englishman made 20 League Two appearances and kept eight clean sheets in the process.
Young is certainly one for the future, and playing time in the lower tiers will be crucial to his development.
Pickford spent several seasons on loan in the EFL, including stints at Carlisle United, Burton Albion, and Bradford City.
Similarly, Patterson played in the National League for Notts County before landing the number one jersey on Wearside.
Both are now Premier League players, highlighting the benefit of a lower league move for Young.
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