Sunderland gem Chris Rigg on course to beat Gareth Bale EFL record
Sunderland rising star Chris Rigg is just two goals away from surpassing the five that Gareth Bale scored in the EFL before turning 18.
Rigg has had an extraordinary start to life as a Championship player and despite only turning 17 this year, has established himself as a regular starter for Sunderland.
A stat pack posted by the EFL on their website lists the limited number of players to have achieved the feat that Rigg could when Sunderland face Hull on Sunday (20 October).
The stat reads: “Sunderland’s 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg scored his fourth Championship goal in their 2-2 draw with Leeds. Only four players have scored five Championship goals before turning 18 – Ryan Sessegnon (21), Connor Wickham (10), Gareth Bale (5) and Harvey Elliott (5).
Will Chris Rigg leave Sunderland in January?
Despite only recently signing a pro contract at the club, Rigg’s future at the club is arguably already under serious doubt due to what has been a breakthrough season for the England youth international.
Real Madrid (BBC Sounds) are one of several elite-level clubs that have expressed an interest in the midfielder and it is highly likely some of that interest could turn concrete in January.
His four goals so far this season are a testament to his ability and is a very good return for a midfielder, let alone one at his age.
Alongside Jobe Bellingham, the pair have dominated the midfield in games for Sunderland and the longer the club can keep them together, the better, however, both are expected to be in the spotlight in the coming weeks as clubs start turning their focus to the January transfer window.
Rigg’s future is certainly an exciting one to keep an eye on and hopefully, that future lies with Sunderland.
In other Sunderland news, defender Jenson Seelt has been spotted on the grass for the first time since an injury in March ruled him out of contention.
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