'Huge' - Newcastle United & Liverpool transfer target agrees three-year contract
Chris Rigg is set to sign his first professional contract at Sunderland, ending talk of a potential move to Newcastle United.
Hebburn-born Rigg, who comes from a mixed family of Sunderland and Newcastle fans, has been tracked by the Magpies for the best part of two years, however exposure to first-team football on Wearside has seemingly convinced the midfielder to stay put.
Rigg signed a two-year scholarship last summer just months after his FA Cup appearance against Shrewsbury Town saw him become the Black Cats’ youngest-ever debutant at 15 years and 203 days old.
And after turning 17 last month, Rigg is now eligible for a pro deal. He has been weighing up his options amid interest from several top-tier clubs but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Rigg has agreed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Romano posted on X: “Understand England U17 captain Chris Rigg has now decided to sign a three year deal with Sunderland until 2027. Premier League clubs wanted him but he’s set to stay, new deal + big financial commitment for Rigg to stay. Huge one for #SAFC.”
As well as Newcastle, Rigg was reportedly on the radar of the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United but is set for a regular place in the Black Cats’ starting XI.
Rigg made 21 Championship appearances last season and scored in home matches against Southampton and Blackburn Rovers. Sunderland will be managed by Frenchman Regis Le Bris, who has joined from Lorient.