Liverpool & Everton Join Multiple Clubs Chasing Rising Championship Star

The race to secure the signature of one of the Championship’s most exciting young talents is heating up, with Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton both reportedly keen to add Sunderland’s Chris Rigg to their squads. At just 17 years old, Rigg has been turning heads with his performances for Sunderland, and now Premier League clubs are scrambling to secure his services. But will Sunderland’s promotion hopes determine his next move?

Chris Rigg: A Star on the Rise

Chris Rigg’s rise through the ranks at Sunderland has been nothing short of impressive. The young midfielder has consistently showcased his all-action style, making a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in English football. As the Black Cats push for promotion to the Premier League, Rigg’s performances have become a key talking point for scouts and managers alike.

Sunderland, a club with a rich history of developing young talent, has provided Rigg with an ideal platform to thrive. His natural dynamism and technical ability have caught the eye of several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, and West Ham. According to recent reports, the growing interest from Premier League clubs is no coincidence — Rigg’s potential has been evident throughout the season, and his name is now being touted as one of the hottest prospects in the Championship.

The Growing List of Interested Clubs

Liverpool and Everton are the latest clubs to be linked with a move for the 17-year-old, further intensifying the competition for his signature. Both Merseyside clubs are no strangers to eyeing talented young players, and Rigg’s profile appears to be exactly what they need.

Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, is in the midst of a transformative summer, even as they find themselves on the verge of wrapping up the Premier League title in Slot’s first season in charge. The club is expected to undergo a squad overhaul, with several key players, including Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, being strongly linked with exits. Meanwhile, the future of Harvey Elliott remains a topic of conversation, as his lack of minutes in midfield continues to raise questions about his long-term role at the club.

For Liverpool, Rigg could be seen as a long-term investment — a player who can help strengthen their midfield options for years to come. His energy, vision, and ability to control the tempo of a game would make him a valuable addition to Slot’s system. However, much will depend on Sunderland’s promotion bid. If they fail to return to the Premier League, Rigg could be tempted by a move to a club like Liverpool, which offers the prospect of Champions League football and regular first-team opportunities.

Rigg would be a long-term investment / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Everton’s Search for Youthful Reinforcements

Meanwhile, Everton, who have just about secured their Premier League status thanks to a much-improved run of form under David Moyes, are also keeping a close eye on Rigg. Moyes has overseen a steady rise up the table since his appointment, with the Toffees now sitting in 13th place. This has come after a period of instability following Sean Dyche’s sacking, but Moyes’ experience has helped steady the ship.

Despite their recent improvement, Everton’s squad remains one of the oldest in the Premier League, and they are in dire need of fresh, young talent to inject some energy into their ranks. Signing Rigg would be a strategic move for the club, who are looking to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League over the long term. Everton’s need for youthful reinforcements, coupled with Rigg’s potential, could make this an ideal match — though it’s clear that the competition for his signature will be fierce.

Sunderland’s Promotion Bid: Key to Rigg’s Future?

At the heart of the speculation surrounding Chris Rigg’s future lies Sunderland’s push for promotion. The club is currently locked in a fierce battle for a place in the Premier League, and Rigg’s performances could play a pivotal role in securing their top-flight return for the first time since 2017. The stakes are high, and Sunderland’s success or failure in their promotion bid will likely have a direct impact on Rigg’s future.

Rigg still has two years left on his current contract with Sunderland, which gives the club some security as they look to retain his services. However, if Sunderland fails to win promotion, Rigg may be tempted by a move to a Premier League club, where the financial rewards and potential for career progression are hard to ignore. Reports suggest that if the club does miss out on promotion, Rigg could leave for a transfer fee that could eclipse the £30 million that Tottenham Hotspur paid Leeds United for Archie Gray last summer.

For Sunderland, the hope is that promotion will not only secure their top-flight return but also help them keep hold of one of their brightest young prospects. If Rigg stays with the club, there’s a strong possibility he will sign a new contract, reflecting the club’s ambition to keep their star player and continue building for the future. A successful return to the Premier League would offer Rigg a platform to prove himself on an even bigger stage, and that could be enough to convince him to stay put for the time being.

The Challenge of Holding onto Rigg

Sunderland’s efforts to retain Rigg are likely to be put to the test in the coming months. With Premier League clubs circling, the Black Cats face the difficult task of holding onto a player who is clearly destined for bigger things. The lure of the Premier League, coupled with the financial power of clubs like Liverpool and Everton, means Sunderland will need to be proactive if they hope to keep their star.

One of the key factors in Rigg’s decision-making process will likely be the opportunity for regular first-team football. As a teenager, Rigg is still developing, and playing week in and week out in the Premier League would provide invaluable experience. Clubs like Liverpool and Everton can offer this opportunity, though Sunderland’s ambition to return to the top flight could present a compelling case for Rigg to stay for at least one more season.

The Transfer Market Landscape: Will Clubs Make a Move?

If Sunderland fails to secure promotion, the transfer market will likely see an influx of bids for Rigg. With so many Premier League clubs already monitoring his progress, it’s not hard to imagine a bidding war developing for his signature. While Sunderland may hold out for a significant transfer fee, the reality is that Rigg’s future could be decided by a combination of his performances on the pitch and the outcome of Sunderland’s promotion hopes.

Liverpool and Everton are both likely to be active in the transfer market this summer, and securing Rigg would be a smart piece of business for either club. Liverpool, looking to refresh their squad, would benefit from a player like Rigg, whose energy and technical ability would be a great fit for their midfield. Everton, meanwhile, would see Rigg as a potential cornerstone for their future, helping them build a more youthful, dynamic squad.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

Regardless of where Chris Rigg ends up, one thing is certain: his future is incredibly bright. The young midfielder has all the tools to succeed at the highest level, and as he continues to impress for Sunderland, more clubs will undoubtedly take notice. Whether he remains with Sunderland for their Premier League push or moves to one of the Premier League giants, Rigg is set to be one of English football’s next big stars.

For now, all eyes will be on Sunderland’s promotion bid, and whether it can help them hold onto Rigg for at least another season. If the club does secure their place in the Premier League, Rigg’s continued development at the Stadium of Light could see him become an integral part of the team’s future. However, if the Black Cats fall short, expect a transfer scramble that could see Rigg make the move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs.