Sunderland may face Chris Rigg bid that blows everyone out of water – Ian Darke
Sunderland may soon face an offer that blows everyone out of the water to sign Chris Rigg, Ian Darke has said.
The TV commentator insists Rigg has established himself as a key Championship player in Regis Le Bris’ promotion push, with his current injury setback a massive loss for the Black Cats.
The England Under-18 captain has been linked with huge moves to some of the elite clubs in England and Europe, but last summer signed a three-year contract to remain at the Stadium of Light – his first professional deal.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Darke said: “It’s obviously a blow to lose Rigg because he’s one of the brightest young players in the country.
“He’s going to play in the Premier League whether it’s with Sunderland or not.
“But it’s too early for him to be worrying about his stats or thinking about transfers to other clubs. He’s a player at 17 playing regularly, a key man, and at his age, he just wants to be playing every week at a ‘biggish’ club. He’s at a ‘biggish’ club.
“There might come a time in the summer where a club makes an offer to blow everyone out of the water, but does he want a transfer somewhere in the Premier League where he’s going to sit around on the bench all the time?”
Chris Rigg the star of the Sunderland production line
Rigg has stunned the North East and the football world alike with his outrageous performances for his age, having made 48 total appearances while not turning 18 until after the end of this season.
His injury is a blow for Le Bris, who is looking to maximise the talents of his other teenage charges such as Jobe Bellingham and Eliezer Mayenda, with Tommy Watson also out on the sidelines.
Sunderland are hardened already to the interest in Rigg from some of the sport’s powerhouses and will know what to expect in the summer.
In other Sunderland news, Anthony Patterson responds to rumours of an exit from Wearside.
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