AliousSunderland Slap £35m Valuation on Teen Sensation Chris Rigg as European Giants and Premier League Elite Circle
Sunderland have made their intentions crystal clear regarding the future of one of their brightest young stars, Chris Rigg. Following the high-profile departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund in a deal exceeding £30 million, the Black Cats have set an even higher valuation on Rigg—reportedly demanding £35 million for the 17-year-old midfield prodigy, according to *TEAMTalk*.
Despite their return to the Premier League, Sunderland anticipate ongoing interest in their top talents. The club has already begun its summer transfer dealings, but the hierarchy is determined to retain its core squad, particularly rising academy graduates like Rigg.
Rigg’s emergence into first-team football has been nothing short of remarkable. Having made 72 senior appearances despite being just 17, he’s played a pivotal role under new head coach Régis Le Bris and is slated to feature prominently in Sunderland’s Premier League campaign. His rapid development and maturity on the pitch have attracted attention from across England and Europe.
Seven Premier League clubs—Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Brighton—are monitoring Rigg’s situation. Meanwhile, Bundesliga heavyweights RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are also reportedly interested, with the latter able to offer Champions League football and the former renowned for nurturing young talents into global stars.
Yet Sunderland argue that Rigg’s best chance of growth lies at the Stadium of Light. Having already secured a regular spot in the first team and with Premier League football guaranteed next season, Wearside presents a unique development pathway that few top-tier clubs can match at this stage of his career.
Rigg signed his first professional contract with Sunderland in the summer of 2023, which runs until 2027. However, despite his apparent happiness at the club, Sunderland remain wary of losing another young talent before they can maximise his value—especially after how the Tommy Watson situation unfolded, with the player’s contract winding down before his eventual exit.
The club is hoping for clarity on Rigg’s long-term intentions soon. If signs emerge that he’s eyeing a move, Sunderland could be forced to consider offers over the next year. For now, however, they remain firm: any club wanting to lure Chris Rigg away will have to meet their £35 million valuation.
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