An ex-England midfielder assesses Sunderland’s prospects of retaining Chris Rigg.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman talks to Head coach Regis Le Bris (R) during a Pre Season Friendly match between Bradford City and Sunderland at Coral Windows Stadium, Valley Parade on July 30, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

A former England midfielder has hinted that Chris Rigg, a star player for Sunderland, may eventually depart the team.

Surprisingly, Sunderland suffered their first road loss to Plymouth Argyle in the 2024–25 Championship league season.

The 3-2 loss at Home Park was caused by defensive errors, but Regis Le Bris’ team still displayed their firepower in the last third with Romaine Mundle excelling once more.

Against Middlesbrough, the Black Cats will be hoping to make a strong comeback, and they have the talent at their disposal to do it, particularly in the middle of the park.

Le Bris’ roster has been improved by players like Chris Rigg, Dan Neil, and Jobe Bellingham, however one former England international has predicted that Rigg will quit the team shortly.

Chris Rigg of Sunderland runs with the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Sunderland AFC at Home Park on Sep...

Carlton Palmer, a former England international, estimates Chris Rigg’s likelihood of leaving Sunderland.

Young midfielder Rigg from Sunderland has more than excelled thus far in the 2024–25 Championship campaign, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when the biggest teams in Europe start vying for him during the upcoming transfer window.

Rigg’s ability levels this season have been commended by former England international Carlton Palmer, who also hinted at the possibility of Rigg quitting the team.

Palmer stated, as reported by Football League World: “You want to have young players come into the side.” Take Jack Clarke, for example. He was fantastic when he joined the team and is now playing in the Premier League for Ipswich.

Sunderland has adopted this concept, which involves providing young players with an opportunity to grow, develop, and be sold.

“They will let the player go if someone makes a big offer, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

“At the age of 17, he made the first team, which is a remarkable accomplishment in and of itself, but he will go on if a major club makes an offer.

“Sunderland stands a better chance of keeping Rigg if they get promoted. However, even if they stay in the Premier League and two major powers, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, make a move for him, he will undoubtedly consider leaving.”

Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman talks to Head coach Regis Le Bris (R) during a Pre Season Friendly match between Bradford City and ...

Sunderland needs to get ready for life after Chris Rigg.

If Rigg sticks around until the conclusion of the season, there’s no doubt he’ll be in demand in January and the summer.

At the age of 17, he has demonstrated that he is among the top football prospects in the world by receiving regular game time at a high level, and there is no question that his growth will only continue to advance.

Sunderland’s midfield options right now are excellent, but Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman need to be strategizing long-term about whether to scout early on in the transfer market or look towards the academy for their next talent, as well as making sure they have a backup plan in case Rigg moves.

He would definitely be a huge loss for Sunderland if he left. Although staying at Sunderland might be best for his development due to the guaranteed first team playing time, the young player might find a move to a European powerhouse too good to refuse, so Speakman needs to be ready for the inevitable that this will happen.

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