AliousPalace Eye Next Rising Star Amid Injury Crisis
Crystal Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman is spearheading an ambitious £20m+ pursuit of teenage sensation Chris Rigg, as the Eagles look to strengthen their squad amid mounting injury concerns.
The timing of this transfer interest comes as Palace navigate through a challenging period. While recent results against Tottenham (win) and Wolves (2-2 draw) under Oliver Glasner have shown promise, the team has been hit with significant setbacks.
Key players Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and Jefferson Lerma are sidelined until after the international break, with Eddie Nketiah now joining the injury list due to a hamstring issue that puts his availability for the upcoming Fulham fixture in doubt.
The target of Palace’s interest, 17-year-old Rigg, has been making waves in the Championship with Sunderland.
Dubbed “special” by Black Cats pundit Dougie Critchley, the academy graduate has already notched three goals in 13 Championship appearances this season under Regis Le Bris.
His overall record stands at an impressive six goals across 39 appearances, with nearly 2,000 minutes of professional football under his belt.
Palace’s scouting team has conducted multiple live assessments of Rigg, with Freedman reportedly “convinced” of the midfielder’s Premier League potential.
Despite Rigg signing a contract extension until 2027 this summer, Palace are considering a January swoop reminiscent of their successful pursuit of Adam Wharton from Blackburn last winter.
While Sunderland will naturally resist offers for their prized asset, the reported £20m+ valuation could prove too tempting to reject, even considering Rigg’s importance to their current campaign.
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