AliousRecent reports emerging over the weekend indicate that Everton manager David Moyes has deployed his trusted scout, Charlie Adam, to closely observe Sunderland’s rising star, Chris Rigg, a player who has piqued the interest of the Merseyside club.
The young midfielder, still in his teens, has proven to be a vital component for Sunderland this season, contributing significantly to their solid position within the Championship play-off spots. As is often the case with promising English talents, Rigg has attracted attention from multiple clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon platform, Everton have now joined the growing list of teams vying for Rigg’s signature. Moyes, evidently impressed, personally ensured that one of his key scouts was present to assess the youngster’s performance in action. However, Sunderland’s steep asking price of £40m is proving to be a significant deterrent for potential buyers, including Everton.
The hefty valuation has cooled interest from several suitors, despite Rigg’s undeniable appeal. It’s widely acknowledged that the talented midfielder will have no shortage of options if he opts to leave Sunderland at the season’s end. Alongside Everton, Premier League outfits like Manchester United and West Ham United have also been linked with the Championship prodigy, with the Toffees being the latest to express serious intent.
Nixon further notes that Moyes sees Rigg as a potential addition to Everton’s squad as they prepare to usher in a new chapter at their state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season. The teenager has reportedly been on Everton’s watchlist since his early years, which explains Moyes’ decision to send Adam to evaluate him firsthand. Yet, the substantial fee demanded by Sunderland remains a major hurdle. While Everton and West Ham are said to value Rigg at around £10m, Sunderland’s £40m price tag creates a wide gulf in negotiations, suggesting that any deal is far from straightforward.
Sunderland, meanwhile, face no immediate pressure to offload their prized asset. Despite slipping behind the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Burnley in the race for automatic promotion, the Black Cats remain well-placed in the play-off positions with seven matches left to play. The club is also bracing for interest in another midfield talent, Jobe Bellingham, and will be keen to avoid losing multiple key players should they miss out on a Premier League return.
Fortunately for Sunderland, Rigg’s future is secure for now. The 17-year-old inked his first professional contract last summer, tying him to the club until June 2027. With over two years remaining on his deal, Sunderland hold a strong position to demand a premium for their academy graduate if clubs come calling.
Looking ahead, Rigg represents a long-term investment for the Black Cats. Should they sell him for a modest £10m this summer, his value could easily climb to—or exceed—the current £40m mark within a year or two, given his trajectory. For now, Sunderland’s contractual leverage offers peace of mind as they plan for both the present and the future.
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