SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18 Trai Hume of Sunderland during to the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday at Stadium of Light on August 18, 2024 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland handed ‘huge money’ claim as Chris Rigg price tag mooted amid transfer interest.
Sunderland star Chris Rigg continues to attract widespread transfer interest, with Wolves the latest team reportedly keen.
So far this season, Chris Rigg has shone for Sunderland. He’s featured 14 times in the Championship and has scored three goals for Regis Le Bris’ side who remain top of the table.
Earlier this month, Rigg was withdrawn from international duty with the England U19s, being rested ahead of the trip to Millwall on Saturday after a hectic few months for the 17-year-old.
But Rigg’s fine form has led to interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, with plenty of other clubs mentioned alongside the Sunderland gem as well.
Recently, reports online have claimed that Wolves are interested in Rigg at the Stadium of Light, with Gary O’Neil’s side having previously held an interest in Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
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Chris Rigg of Sunderland plays during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Leeds United at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, Eng…
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Carlton Palmer makes Chris Rigg price tag prediction as Wolves join transfer race
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer has played down the chances of Rigg moving to Molineux, whilst also giving his verdict on how much he thinks the Sunderland academy gem is worth.
Palmer recalled Archie Gray’s move from Leeds United to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, with Spurs paying £30million for the defender.
He said: “I don’t think Wolves would be in the market to sign a player of Chris Rigg’s ability. (Sunderland) will be wanting huge money for him, similar to the Archie Gray fee.
“Rigg, without a doubt, is the most talented player in the Championship.”
But with Sunderland chasing promotion to the Premier League, and Rigg being a key player in the side right now, Palmer has predicted that the Black Cats could charge up to £60million to sell Rigg in January.
The former England man added: “If Sunderland are going to sell him in the January transfer window, which I think would be crazy, then they are going to want £50-60million to part with him.”
Manchester United’s January transfer plans spell good news for Sunderland
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Rigg right now, and have been for the bulk of this season.
The Red Devils want to rebuild with young talent like Rigg. But after appointing Ruben Amorim as their new boss earlier in November, Manchester United’s January transfer plans seem to have quickly changed.
Several names are now being linked to Old Trafford ahead of January since Amorim’s arrival but Rigg seemingly isn’t one.
So for the Black Cats, it seems like one less team to worry about in January. On top of that, Real Madrid would prefer Florian Wirtz, with Rigg viewed as a back-up option to the Bayern Leverkusen man.
So a sale in January certainly seems unlikely. But like Palmer says, if they do then it would cost a lot, given Sunderland’s promotion charge this season.
