MX23RW : Monday, October 14 17:30:29| >> :120:6411:6411:

Chris Rigg: Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea 'scouting' Real Madrid-linked 17-year-old

The next Bellingham? Premier League trio 'to rival' Real Madrid for 17-year-old
© Imago
Premier League trio Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Sunderland's teenage sensation Chris Rigg, who has also been linked with Real Madrid.

Premier League trio Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all keeping tabs on Sunderland's teenage sensation Chris Rigg, according to a report.

At the age of just 15, Rigg became Sunderland's youngest-ever debutant when he came on as a substitute in an FA Cup tie against Fulham in February 2023.

Rigg then became the Black Cats' youngest goalscorer in history at 16 when he made the net ripple against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup last August.

The midfielder, who turned 17 in June, went on to make 21 first-team appearances in the Championship for Sunderland last season and has since featured regularly under new head coach Regis Le Bris this term.

Rigg has played in each of Sunderland's opening five matches of the 2024-25 season in all competitions, helping the club win all four Championship games to climb to the top of the table with a maximum 12 points.

Sunderland's Chris Rigg pictured on April 20, 2024© Imago

Rigg linked with big move despite penning new deal

Amid speculation about his future at the Stadium of Light earlier this year, Rigg committed his future to Sunderland in June by signing his first professional contract with the club until at least 2027.

"I am absolutely buzzing," Rigg told the club's website following confirmation of his new deal. "I have been dying to sign for almost a year now.

"The hard work starts now but I am looking forward to making many more memories representing this club."

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Chris's talent, and more recently his performances within the first team, made interest and speculation inevitable, and it is a testament to all behind the scenes that he has committed his future to our club."

Despite that, Rigg's name continues to be linked with a number of top European clubs, with La Liga giants Real Madrid allegedly one club who have identified the teenager as the 'next Jude Bellingham'.

Sunderland's Chris Rigg in action on February 8, 2023© Reuters

PL trio to rival Real Madrid, Dortmund for Rigg

However, Real Madrid could face stern competition for Rigg's signature, as GIVEMESPORT claims that Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all registered their interest in signing the midfielder.

The report adds that the Premier League trio are scouting Rigg as they weigh up making a move for the highly-rated youngster in the near future, while Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with an interest.

As things stand, it is claimed that Rigg is prepared to bide his time at the Stadium of Light until the right move comes up for him, having only recently penned fresh contract terms with the Black Cats.

Rigg, who has represented England from Under-15 to Under-18 level, is expected to play for Sunderland in Saturday's Championship fixture away against Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle.

ID:552787:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5258:

Click here for more stories about Chris Rigg

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti on May 8, 2024
Read Next:
Next Bellingham? Real Madrid 'interested' in Sunderland sensation
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool76011321118
2Manchester CityMan City7520178917
3Arsenal7520156917
4Chelsea7421168814
5Aston Villa7421129314
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton73311310312
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle733187112
8Fulham7322108211
9Tottenham HotspurSpurs7313148610
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest724176110
11Brentford73131313010
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham72231011-18
13Bournemouth7223810-28
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd722358-38
15Leicester CityLeicester7133912-36
16Everton7124715-85
17Ipswich TownIpswich7043614-84
18Crystal Palace7034510-53
19Southampton7016415-111
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves7016921-121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!