“He surely will leave for good” Italian forward makes clear Sunderland starlet City of Light future prediction following Real Madrid high interest .
Chris Rigg, a 17-year-old footballer, has extended his contract with Sunderland until 2027. However, his strong performance in the 2024/25 Championship season has attracted attention from major European clubs.
Reports suggest that Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are monitoring Rigg, who has started in Sunderland’s last three league matches. Under manager Regis Le Bris, Rigg has become an integral part of the team. BBC pundit Simon Pryde believes Sunderland must secure promotion to retain Rigg.
Former Sunderland player and BBC pundit Marco Gabbiadini has shared his thoughts on Rigg’s situation and potential future. Speaking on Total Sport, Gabbiadini highlighted a potential issue for Sunderland regarding Rigg’s transfer value.
Gabbiadini pointed out that Sunderland’s current Championship status could limit the transfer fee they can demand for Rigg. He explained that players from top European leagues often command higher fees, typically £40-£50 million, especially if they have international experience. In contrast, clubs might view Rigg as a bargain at £10-20 million with add-ons.
This situation puts pressure on Sunderland to gain promotion quickly. If they remain in the Championship, Rigg’s value may stay around £20 million. However, promotion to the Premier League could significantly increase his worth, potentially reaching £40 million after a successful top-flight season.
For Sunderland’s owners, this scenario applies not only to Rigg but also to other sought-after players in the squad. The club appears to be in a race against time to secure promotion, which would allow their players to reach their full market value.
