"Inevitable" - Pundit reacts as Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea eye Sunderland's Chris Rigg | OneFootball

Highlights

Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg is the subject of transfer speculation.

The 16-year-old has already made his breakthrough into the first team squad at the Stadium of Light, making his debut for the club over 12 months ago.

At just 15, Tony Mowbray threw him into the deep end with a substitute appearance in an FA Cup third round win over Shrewsbury Town in January 2023.

He has since made seven league appearances, all of which came under the former Sunderland head coach.

But he has since been linked with a move away from the Black Cats, with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all linked with the midfielder.

Carlton Palmer believes that it is inevitable that Rigg will depart Sunderland given the size of clubs scouting the youngster.

The 58-year-old has claimed that big clubs will surely look to sign the midfielder if he can continue to develop at his current rate.

“One of Sunderland’s young players who is attracting the attention from the Premier League and across Europe is Chris Rigg,” Palmer told Football League World.

“The 16-year-old is very highly rated, making his first senior appearance for the club at the age of 15 under former manager Tony Mowbray.

“I think if Chris continues as he is, and given his contract situation, it’s inevitable he will leave Sunderland sooner rather than later.

“Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal last summer.

“However, Rigg is not eligible to sign a professional contract until this summer.

“This effectively means he could move on if a fee was agreed between clubs.

“If Rigg did not sign a professional contract with Sunderland, Sunderland would be compensated by a tribunal.”

Chris Rigg's league appearances

It has been reported that Rigg has verbally agreed terms on a first professional contract.

However, he has yet to sign on the dotted line and must wait until he turns 17 later this year.

There will naturally be some anxiety at Sunderland until pen is put to paper, as he will be free to negotiate a first pro deal with other clubs.

The Wearside outfit won’t lose him for nothing, but a fee received through a tribunal may pale in comparison to the size of a regular transfer.

Rigg has featured just once under Michael Beale, which may also play a role in determining his immediate future.

The youngster’s last appearance was in the team’s recent 3-1 win over Stoke City in late January, coming off the bench in the closing stages.

Losing Rigg to tribunal would be a big blow

Sunderland will be hoping that the terms verbally agreed to with Rigg leads to him signing a contract with the club in the summer.

If he instead opts to move elsewhere then the club will be entitled to a fee, but tying him down to a longer-term contract would see his value skyrocket in comparison.

Rigg also has a lot of potential and could play a key role on the pitch as well, especially with the team pushing for Premier League promotion.

And securing a place in the top flight could also go a long way to convincing Rigg that the Stadium of Light is where he needs to remain to develop as a player.