Manchester United is looking to sign Chris Rigg from Sunderland. United wants to start a big move for the 16-year-old player who plays in the middle of the field.
Chris Rigg, who came up through Sunderland’s training program, hasn’t yet signed his first big team deal. Still, his skills are so good that many teams are expected to try to get him this summer.
Yet, any club looking to take him will have to pay a fee to Sunderland. They will need to agree on that fee with the Black Cats, and if they can’t, an independent tribunal could set the price.
Rigg has enjoyed a fine campaign with Sunderland, turning out 21 times in the Championship, eight of them starts. He has done well enough to have already scored his first two league goals Sunderland ended up 15th, yet his work stood out.
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But Rigg won’t stick with Sunderland at their home ground next season, with what’s next for him up in the air. Since he can’t ink a pro deal until he turns 17 next month, many are guessing about where he’ll go. Teams like Newcastle United and Arsenal want to pick him up.
German powerhouses Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are two other possible destinations being touted for the youngster.
But Manchester United is likely to make the most serious initial approach for Rigg. New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seemingly made a big addition to their youth team a priority for his own first transfer window at the club, a change in approach.
On the other hand, Sunderland would love to retain him, having already discussed possible contract terms with him in the hope that the game time he received under Mike Dodds in the second half of the season could persuade him to stay.
There is no question Manchester United is one of the larger clubs promoting young players, but there’s zero chance Rigg will be catapulted into the first team at Old Trafford. Events at both clubs could also affect Rigg’s choice.
Both Sunderland and Manchester United are in the process of naming new head coaches, while there is no guarantee Erik Ten Hag will stay on as Manchester United coach beyond this term.
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Wherever Rigg chooses to go will be an important decision as it could shape his development over the next few years. Clearly, he has tremendous potential, but he is not yet ready to join the Premier League ranks.
Manchester United is going through its shake-up, but the rise of one or two, like Kobbie Mainoo, suggests there is a pathway to the first team.
The regular game time Rigg is presently receiving at Sunderland is important and may convince him that staying with the Championship side is the better move for this stage of his career. Only time will tell where this talented young player will choose to continue his football journey.
