Finance Expert shares Chris Rigg transfer verdict as Sunderland speculation grows
Premier League clubs will hold financial power over Sunderland as speculation continues to surround Chris Rigg, Dan Plumley has said.
The finance expert has had his say following reports that Manchester United were favourites to sign 17-year-old [Sunderland AFC News], with massive fees already mooted.
Plumley insists Rigg is crucial to any promotion hopes for Sunderland, who could even ask to take him back on loan if a sale is agreed in January.
“Ultimately, if Premier League clubs come in for him, they’re holding the financial power. It’ll come down to how much a Premier League club wants him in January,” Plumley exclusively told Mackem News.
“It’s obviously a really attractive move – a club like Manchester United – but for Sunderland, if they’re still at the top of the table come January, they might feel they can negotiate a little bit harder. They need players like him if they’ve got sights on promotion.
“But even that might not stop a huge club from blowing them out of the water financially. A sale and then a loan back until the end of the season is an interesting middle ground. It’ll be a fascinating one to keep an eye on.”
Chris Rigg to join Manchester United?
Despite his tender years, Rigg has been one of Sunderland’s most reliable performers this season, having scored three goals in 14 games.
Making his first-team debut at 15 as the club’s youngest-ever outfielder, Rigg was wanted by Manchester United, Newcastle and others but decided first to sign a scholarship at the Stadium of Light and later a three-year professional contract.
His deal with the Championship leaders runs until the summer of 2027 when he will turn 20; he has already accumulated 40 senior appearances for the Black Cats.
In other Sunderland news, Dennis Cirkin hails one of his teammates as “under the radar” for his impact at the club.
For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.