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In INEOS’ bid to recruit a few of the brightest prospects in world soccer, develop them, and construct for the longer term, Manchester United have discovered themselves linked with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.
Rigg is among the many most fun abilities English soccer has to supply. Nonetheless solely 18, he has already racked up 74 senior appearances in crimson and white, displaying a stage of maturity that many seasoned professionals nonetheless try for.
Topped Championship Apprentice of the Yr for 2024–25, Rigg earns reward for his progressive play. He receives the ball comfortably within the last third and drives at defences with ease.
He has unpredictability to his sport and possesses the uncommon skill to finish his dribbles with a shot, one thing that retains defenders continually guessing.
Naturally, high golf equipment have taken discover of his brilliance, with some evaluating him to Jude Bellingham for the impression he has made within the Championship.
United price Rigg extremely
United tracked Rigg intently all through final season. Early this 12 months, scouts had been dispatched from Previous Trafford to observe the teenage sensation in motion.
There was a report relayed by The Peoples Particular person claiming INEOS had positioned the younger midfielder close to the highest of their summer time 2025 switch shortlist.
United’s decision-makers reportedly considered Rigg as a “must-have” expertise and had been eager to get a deal over the road.
Whereas some anticipated Sunderland to be approached with a £25 million provide believed to be sufficient to seal the deal, no formal transfer has materialised.
Rigg commits his future to Wearside
As a substitute, the Hebburn native has now penned a brand new take care of the Black Cats.
The Premier League newcomers have tied down their academy product on a long-term contract till 2030.
This new deal eases the stress Sunderland confronted concerning Rigg’s future, particularly with high golf equipment like United circling.
Talking about his new deal, the midfield prodigy says:
“It feels nice to signal this new contract. There was solely ever one ambition I had, and that was to agree a long-term deal right here. It’s been an unimaginable journey since I made my debut at 15, and I like enjoying right here and being right here day-after-day, so I’m completely buzzing.”
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce that Chris Rigg has signed a brand new long-term contract! ❤️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 28, 2025
With this new deal in place, United could have let one other likelihood to land a high prospect on a budget slip away.
Nonetheless, now that Rigg is enjoying within the Premier League, United could proceed scouting him and assess whether or not to make a transfer. In the event that they do, although, they’ll probably must pay greater than they’d have this summer time.
Featured picture Stu Foster through Getty Pictures
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