JUST IN: Chris Riggs about to Break the hearts of Fans by choosing same path as Jack Clarke to betray the BLACK CATS after Club inside reveal Player already in silent contact with Ane Slot to reveal one BIG term that will see him leave Stadium of Light without hesitation.
Liverpool transfer target Chris Rigg has already made clear what will be needed to secure his signature this summer.
The 17-year-old Sunderland midfielder is generating headlines after a stellar start to the season with the Black Cats. Rigg made his debut at just 15 under former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray, playing a key role in a dramatic FA Cup comeback against Shrewsbury.
That appearance made Rigg Sunderland’s youngest ever outfield player, and he’s continued to set records since. He became the club’s youngest goalscorer with a powerful header in their 5-1 victory over Southampton last season, though he nearly achieved that feat the year before. Coming off the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup, Rigg thought he’d netted a late winner, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Now a regular starter for Sunderland, the England youth international has his sights set on the highest level. “That’s where I want to be,” Rigg told *Chronicle Live* during pre-season, reflecting on his rapid rise and his experience against Premier League teams. “I want to be at the very top.”
Sunderland managed to fend off interest from several top European clubs this summer, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle United all reportedly eager to sign Rigg when he turned 17. Players in England can only sign professional contracts after their 17th birthday.
Rigg ultimately stayed at Sunderland this summer, with assurances over playing time being a crucial factor—something that will also be key in any future negotiations with Liverpool and Arne Slot. Despite his young age, Rigg has already made 32 senior appearances and scored four goals.
“I was just waiting a long time to get it all sorted, to be honest,” Rigg said of his contract situation. “I didn’t want to stress about it—I just wanted to play for Sunderland. It’s a great place to develop my career.”
When asked about the mindset required to break into the first team at such a young age, Rigg replied, “I think it’s about how I’ve been raised. I’ve always been told that if you’re not humble, you won’t be successful. That’s the key thing. I like to think I am humble, but I know I’ve still got a long way to go.
“Sometimes you reflect on things, but I’m more focused on the present and helping get this club back to where we belong—in the Premier League. The squad is fantastic. They tell me how fortunate I am to be part of the team. This season, I really want to push on and show what I can do.”