Sunderland has reached a verbal agreement with an upcoming free agent player, but there’s still a chance he might depart during the summer transfer window. Despite this uncertainty, Sunderland is currently in a favorable position. Having returned to the Championship, they’re already making strides toward a Premier League comeback, boasting a talented squad and significant investment in transfers.
However, manager Michael Beale might face a rebuilding phase for the next season, as several Sunderland players are attracting interest and could potentially leave during the summer. Jack Clarke is a notable example, alongside Dan Ballard and Dan Neil, who are also expected to draw attention in the transfer market.
Another player making recent transfer headlines is Chris Rigg, with top European clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing the 16-year-old.
Sunderland have verbal agreement with Chris Rigg
According to the Sunderland Echo, ‘there is a deal in place’ that has been verbally agreed upon between Rigg and Sunderland, although Rigg might leave any moment before that because he is not yet 17, and hence ineligible for professional contracts.
According to the same article, the next four months until Rigg’s scholarship expires are critical in persuading him to continue at the club, which may explain why Beale just disclosed that he plans to offer Rigg more game time in the next weeks and months.
Rigg set for Championship exposure
Described as “wonderful” by his former manager Tony Mowbray, Rigg has made seven appearances in the Championship this season, finding the net once. Despite showing significant promise, being just 16 years old, he has mostly been nurtured within the youth ranks to develop his confidence and skills. The Championship is known for its intensity, and prematurely exposing Rigg to such pressure could potentially hinder his progress.
However, with patience and careful planning, it seems that manager Beale is now prepared to give Rigg a more substantial opportunity to showcase his abilities. The upcoming months will be pivotal in determining Rigg’s trajectory for the next season. If he can establish himself as a regular starter, he may be inclined to remain at Sunderland rather than pursue offers from top European clubs, where he might risk returning to youth football.
Nonetheless, nothing is guaranteed, and the allure of prestigious clubs in Europe will always be enticing. The unfolding of this narrative leading up to the summer transfer window will undoubtedly be intriguing to follow.
Leave a Reply