Chris Rigg stays: How Sunderland AFC's dream 2025 January transfer window may look | OneFootball

Holding on to their prize talent would represent a successful January window for Sunderland.

Given Sunderland's strong start to the Championship season, it is likely that the club's players will come under the spotlight in January.

The Black Cats currently sit top of the Championship table with an impressive 19 points from their opening nine games. Although it feels like the summer transfer window has only just closed, that has not stopped speculative reports regarding the table-toppers' talents.

Chris Rigg has been the main subject of interest, with a host of Europe's top clubs reportedly keen to sign the teenager in the near future.

What would a dream window look like for Sunderland? Holding on to Rigg would be significant, while there are other situations the club will look to resolve.

Holding on to Chris Rigg integral to Sunderland's promotion push

One of the stories of the season so far has been the progress of academy product, Rigg.

Although the 17-year-old made his debut for the Black Cats in January 2023, this is the season where the central-midfielder is kicking his name into the headlines.

Rigg has forced his way into Regis Le Bris' side, making it difficult for the likes of Alan Browne to regain his place in the starting eleven. The teenager has demonstrated his ability to control games in Sunderland's engine room and has been an influential presence.

Furthermore, the midfielder has added goals to his game, with his neat back-heel goal against Middlesbrough going viral. Against Leeds, Rigg was in the right position to claim his second goal of the campaign.

Given his age, it is no wonder the 17-year-old has attracted attention from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. According to talkSPORT, United could make a move for the teenager in January.

Holding on to Rigg would certainly be a coup for Sunderland as they aim for promotion to the Premier League, and their resolve will likely be tested if bids come flying in.

The permanent signing of Chris Mepham from Bournemouth would be real coup

Chris Mepham has already made an impression at the Stadium of Light with some assured performances for the Black Cats.

The Welsh international was signed from Bournemouth on a season-long loan on deadline day and has emerged as a regular first team player due to injuries to Dan Ballard and Aji Alese.

The 26-year-old has a host of experience in the Premier League and Championship and would be a solid addition to the club on a permanent basis.

Furthermore, the centre-back position is an injury-prone one for the Black Cats, with Ballard and Alese's injury record as long as Santa's naughty or nice list.

Wages would be an issue for Sunderland, as the Welshman is estimated to be earning £35,000-a-week with Bournemouth, as per Capology. That is more than double what the Wearsiders' top earners are receiving.

Nazariy Rusyn should leave Sunderland for first team football

During the summer transfer window, some fans were stressed about the lack of strikers at Sunderland, but now there seems to be too many.

Having recently brought in Adam Connolly on a free transfer, the club now have five registered strikers in their ranks, meaning there will be a surplus when they are all fit and available.

While Eliezer Mayenda and Ahmed Abdullahi have been out injured, there has been a place for Nazariy Rusyn in the match-day squad, but he could suffer when the Black Cats have all their options available.

Mayenda and Wilson Isidor have played themselves into the starting conversation, while Abdullahi and Connolly are new arrivals. Rusyn has been limited to substitute appearances, which is likely to frustrate the Ukrainian.

The 25-year-old's situation will become clear in January, but a loan or permanent move could be in the offing for the striker, who is yet to make a concrete impact on Wearside.

While much could change between now and January, Sunderland have emerged as a notable force in the Championship.

January is sure to bring several conundrums for the Wearsiders, who will do well to hold on to Rigg past the next transfer window.