Newcastle United Could Swoop for Sunderland’s Chris Rigg This Summer
Newcastle United may be preparing to lure one of Sunderland’s top young talents in the upcoming transfer window—a move that would be a major disappointment for Black Cats supporters.
Sunderland are currently in a strong position, sitting 4th in the Championship and boasting a squad valued at over £100 million, according to recent transfer estimates.
While owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus won’t be selling off his entire squad, who stays and who departs will likely depend on whether Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League. Regardless, there is sure to be significant interest in their top players this summer, with Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg emerging as prime targets.
Recent reports suggest both Bellingham and Rigg could command transfer fees of around £40 million each. Selling even one of them could provide a significant financial boost for Sunderland’s summer plans.
However, of the two, Rigg appears the most likely to leave, given his age and the growing interest in his services.
Chris Rigg Holds the Power Over His Future—Could Newcastle Be His Next Destination?
Rigg committed to a professional contract with Sunderland last summer, despite strong interest from Newcastle United, who had been eager to sign him following his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign, where he made 21 league appearances.
This season, under Regis Le Bris, the 17-year-old has become an even more integral figure, featuring in 31 Championship matches and scoring four goals. His performances have drawn attention from elite clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, and several top European sides.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey, speaking to Sunderland AFC News, revealed that Rigg has full control over his next move, with Newcastle among the clubs monitoring him closely.
“Rigg is different from his teammates—not to diminish them, but he is genuinely a ‘generational’ talent. His future is in his hands. Whether he chooses Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, or Newcastle United, the decision will be his,” Bailey explained.
“All of those clubs have scouted him heavily, they admire him and want him. While Rigg is letting his representatives handle the interest, even if Sunderland secure promotion, keeping him could prove extremely difficult.”
Jobe Bellingham’s Praise for Rigg
Rigg’s immense potential is clear for all to see, and few understand his quality better than his teammates.
Jobe Bellingham recently spoke highly of Rigg, stating: “I knew about Riggy before I signed for Sunderland, but he’s the player I’ve been most impressed with since I arrived.”
As Bailey noted, Rigg’s departure isn’t necessarily tied to Sunderland’s promotion hopes. However, if the Black Cats do reach the Premier League, they could at least demand a higher fee for the teenager—or potentially convince him to stay, allowing his value to rise further with top-flight experience.
Either way, Sunderland find themselves in a strong position, with valuable options regarding their talented young star.
