Chris Rigg, Sunderland’s wonderkid, has already told possible transfer suitors what he hopes to hear in future talks after signing his first professional contract.
Manchester United has kept a close eye on the youngster’s progress, having scouted him at the age of 14 when he impressed in the Black Cats’ Floodlit Cup success as an Under-15 in 2022. Since then, his rise has been remarkable.
Rigg has broken a number of club and personal records. In the last two years, the child from Hebburn on the south side of the Tyne has become Sunderland’s youngest outfield player and goal scorer.
He is a regular in England’s young setup and has captained the Three Lions on multiple occasions. Tony Mowbray gave Rigg his FA Cup debut in 2023, when he came off the bench to help Sunderland defeat Shrewsbury.
Later that month, he thought he’d scored the winner for Sunderland in an FA Cup encounter at Fulham, but the official raised his flag, prompting Abdoullah Ba, who set up his goal, to be ruled offside in the build-up.
“That’s where I want to be,” Rigg told Chronicle Live earlier this year, reflecting on his remarkable climb in recent years and his upcoming Premier League opponents. “I want to be at the very top.”
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Sunderland’s teenage sensation Chris Rigg. Manchester United have joined Newcastle in the race for Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg, 15, with England Under-16 captain valued at £2.5 million. The sun
Sunderland faced competition from a number of European powerhouses this summer, with United, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle United all reportedly interested in signing the 17-year-old. Players in England are unable to sign professional contracts until they reach that age.
Guarantees over gametime kept Rigg at the Stadium of Light this summer, which will be vital in any future transfer talks. At only 17 years old, the youth has made 32 senior appearances and scored four goals.
“I was just waiting ages to get it all done to be fair,” Rigg once told me. “I didn’t want to worry about my contract situation; I just wanted to play for Sunderland. It’s a wonderful place to further my career.” Journalist anticipates Manchester United will recruit Sunderland’s Chris Rigg in January.
When asked about the mentality needed to break into the first-team setup at such an early age, Rigg responded, “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 is the crucial point. I would like to think that I am humble, but I still have a long way to go. Birmingham City connected with ambitious move for £25 million-rated wonderkid.
“Sometimes you look back, but I’m more concerned with living in the present and returning this squad to its rightful place: the Premier League. The team is fantastic. They tell me how wonderful it is to be a member of the team. This season, I really want to challenge myself and demonstrate what I’m capable of.”