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Sunderland’s promising midfielder, Chris Rigg, has become a hot prospect in the Premier League, attracting interest from several top-flight clubs. Among those reportedly keeping tabs on the 17-year-old are West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United. Newcastle United, Sunderland’s fierce rivals, have also maintained a long-standing interest in the young talent. However, it is Everton’s involvement that has sparked intrigue, especially given their financial clout this summer and their strategy to lower the team’s average age.
Rigg said: “I’m a first-team regular at 17 and I’ve progressed so much. I always had the confidence and the ability, but it was very naive. I’ve still got a hell of a lot to learn.”
Rigg continued: “I played a lot at the back end of last season and made mistakes. I’ve got better and the manager [Regis Le Bris] has put his trust in me. I’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of me, especially if I’m going to get where I want to be. I want to get to the very top.”
He added: “I’ve not achieved anything in the game. The first thing is to try and get promoted. If we can win the play-offs, yeah I can say I’ve achieved something. I want to play for my country, I want to win things. I want to play in the Premier League for Sunderland, that has always been the dream.”
Rigg’s potential move is seen as a strategic fit for Everton, aligning with the style that manager David Moyes aims to implement next season. Despite this, Sunderland might have different plans, given Rigg’s contract runs until 2027. The club’s promotion prospects could also influence his decision to stay, as they are guaranteed a spot in the Championship play-offs.
The young midfielder, who hails from Hebburn, has expressed his admiration for former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. Rigg sees Henderson as a role model, aspiring to emulate his achievements, which include winning the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, and representing England at major international tournaments.
Rigg said: “If you look at the career he has had, Jordan has captained Liverpool, he’s won the Premier League, the Champions League. He has played for England at the World Cup and the Euros. I’d love all those things.”
As the play-offs approach, Rigg remains focused on helping Sunderland secure promotion. However, if the Black Cats fail to offer Premier League football next season, several clubs are poised to offer the talented midfielder a path to the top flight.
**Tags:** #Everton, #PremierLeague, #PlayerInsight, #Transfers, #YouthDevelopment
