Chris Rigg, Sunderland’s wonderkid, has already told potential transfer suitors what he expects to hear in future discussions after signing his first professional contract.

Manchester United have maintained a close eye on the youngster’s development, having scouted him at the age of 14 after impressing in the Black Cats’ Floodlit Cup victory as an Under-15 in 2022. Since then, his ascent has been spectacular.

Rigg has broken numerous records, both for the club and personally. In the last two years, the boy, born in Hebburn on the south bank of the River Tyne, has become Sunderland’s youngest outfield player and goal scorer.

He’s a regular in England’s junior setup and has captained the Three Lions on several occasions. Tony Mowbray gave Rigg his FA Cup debut in 2023, when he came off the bench to help Sunderland accomplish a stunning turnaround against Shrewsbury.

Later that month, he thought he’d scored the winner for Sunderland in an FA Cup match at Fulham, only for the official to raise their flag, causing Abdoullah Ba, who set up his goal, to be deemed offside in the build-up.

“That’s where I want to be,” Rigg told Chronicle Live earlier this year, reflecting on his extraordinary rise in recent years and facing Premier League opponents. “I want to be at the very top.”

Manchester United have been linked with a transfer for Sunderland’s teenage wonder, Chris Rigg.

Sunderland faced competition from a number of European powers this summer, with United, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle United all reportedly interested in signing the 17-year-old. Players in England cannot sign professional contracts until they reach that age.

Guarantees over gametime kept Rigg at the Stadium of Light this summer, which will be important in any future transfer discussions. At just 17 years old, the teenager has made 32 senior appearances and scored four goals.

“I was just waiting ages to get it all done to be fair,” Rigg told me. “I didn’t want to worry about my contract issue; I simply wanted to play for Sunderland. It’s an excellent place to advance my profession.”

When asked about the mentality required to break into the first-team setup at such a young age, Rigg replied: “I think just where I’ve grown up, I’ve been told if you’re not humble, you’re not going to be successful.” That’s the important point. I’d like to believe that I’m humble, but I still have a long way to go.

“Sometimes you look back, but I’m more concerned with living in the present and getting this team back to where it belongs: the Premier League. The squad is excellent. They tell me how great it is to be a part of the team. This season, I really want to push myself and show people what I’m capable of.”