Tommy Watson sale sets the bar for Chris Rigg at Sunderland
Sunderland recently announced that they have agreed a deal to sell Tommy Watson to Brighton in the summer transfer window.
Despite Sunderland being in the promotion race, much of the talk on Wearside has been in regard to business ahead of the summer.
Jobe Bellingham has been linked with Tottenham while countless other players have been mooted as a target for Premier League outfits.
One of those others linked away has been Chris Rigg, and the sale of Watson has set the bar for any decision that Sudnerland make on the future of the 17-year-old.
Sunderland must stand strong on Rigg future
Taking into account his age, Rigg has enjoyed a magnificent season with Sunderland, and there is no surprise that European clubs are taking a look at him.
However, with Watson joining Brighton for a reported £10million fee [Fabrizio Romano], his sale has set the bar for any potential Rigg sale.
| Sunderland | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Watson | 14 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
With Rigg a year younger, and playing far more regularly, his price needs to be set at a minimum of £30m this summer, if not more, depending on which league the Black Cats are in.
Not only that, but Rigg has impressed on a consistent basis for the Mackems, while Watson has made just seven starts at senior level, with his contract running out at the end of the next season.
Rigg is Sunderland’s most valuable asset
Sunderland’s main focus will be on achieving promotion back to the Premier League, though once their fate is decided, they will be in line for a huge summer window.
Rigg will remain of interest to clubs, while many other players will emerge as targets as a result of their role in what has been a successful season to date on Wearside.
When the time does come to sell, which for ecveryones sake is hopefully some time away yet, Sunderland will profit massively on the players they have developed this season.