The midfield duo have been pretty much ever-present when available in the league this season, with Rigg having established himself as a Championship regular despite only having turned 17 in June and Bellingham firmly cemented as a key part of Sunderland’s starting side even though he only turned 19 in September.
The duo’s performances have set tongues wagging across Europe, with Rigg having been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brentford ahead of the January window and Bellingham having been touted for a possible move to Borussia Dortmund, where he would be following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Jude.
Le Bris is well aware of the growing speculation over the future of the two teenagers, and holds regular discussions with both Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman over transfer issues. He accepts that players can outgrow their surroundings, but is confident both Rigg and Bellingham would benefit from remaining with Sunderland for at least the remainder of the current campaign.
“I think with these players, they are involved in the project, and they know that they can improve in this team,” said the Black Cats boss. “So, from a personal perspective, it is good for them, and also to be part of this journey as well.
It is rare to have this. Sometimes, you can go a whole career without having these elements – where you are in a club, you like that club, you are improving, and you believe in a very interesting journey.
“I think it is important for them to be here until the challenge is not high enough for them. Probably, when they feel that they need something more to develop, that should be the right moment to leave.
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