Ian Darke backs Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg for Premier League future
Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg will certainly be a Premier League player in the future, according to Ian Darke.
The TNT Sports commentator, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, has been very complimentary about the young Black Cats side which is emphasised by the form of Rigg, who doesn’t turn 18 until June 2025.
Darke believes that while many fans would not have expected Sunderland’s successful first third of the season, he did believe the Champions leaders would excel this term.
“They’ve been terrific, with a very young side. They’ve got a lot of pace, speed on the break, and they’re clinical,” he said.
“I’m not surprised they’re doing so well. The 17-year-old boy, Chris Rigg – what a find he is from the academy. He’s obviously going to play in the Premier League, whether that’ll be with Sunderland, we’ll find out next May.
“It must be a delight for the Sunderland supporters, their form, as fans were probably not expecting such a promotion push. It’ll be interesting to see if they sustain it through the winter months.”
Chris Rigg with a bright future… at Sunderland?
Rigg’s future is never far from the lips of many, with many destinations mooted for the England Under-18 star among some of the world’s biggest clubs.
He is currently under contract until 2027, having signed a three-year deal shortly after his 17th birthday in the summer, one year into a scholarship which began when he turned 16.
Rigg made his debut as the club’s youngest-ever outfielder aged 15 in January 2023, and has since racked up 40 senior appearances on Wearside.
In other Sunderland news, Dennis Cirkin discusses his potential international path.
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