Chris Rigg responds to confirmed Sunderland exit announcement
Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg has responded after the Black Cats confirmed an exit ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Sunderland sealed promotion to the Premier League last season in the play-off final, with Rigg playing a huge part in their success following numerous standout performances throughout the campaign.
At still only 18-years-old, he has been hotly-tipped to become a huge star in the future, with Football Insider revealing midway through last term that Sunderland had placed a £30million price-tag on Rigg’s head amid interest from Real Madrid, Man United and Chelsea.
Former club scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Everton were leading the race for Rigg’s signature, but the Black Cats’ promotion may well mean he is now less likely to join a club like the Toffees.
Rigg is also of interest to West Ham and a whole host of top-flight sides, and he has now taken to social media to respond after Sunderland confirmed an exit with under a month until the new campaign begins.
Sunderland confirm Matty Young’s departure
Sunderland have been seriously busy in the transfer market this summer, with numerous new players signed and Granit Xhaka wanting a move to the Stadium of Light, but they have also looked to let those on the fringes depart for pastures new following promotion.
The Black Cats announced the departure of young goalkeeper Matty Young on Instagram on Thursday (24 July), saying: “Matty Young has rejoined Salford City on loan for the 2025-26 season” with a handshake emoji.
18-year-old Young is yet to feature for the club’s senior side, and his former academy teammate Rigg liked the post announcing his exit to Salford, while Adil Aouchiche, who also left the club on loan this summer, did the same.
Rigg could depart Sunderland amid numerous midfield arrivals
Football Insider verdict
Rigg is one of the most talented young players to emerge from Sunderland’s academy in their history, and given his ability at his age and potential to reach the top of the game, it comes as little surprise to see so many clubs interested in his services.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 72 | 7 | 1 |
The Black Cats look to be going for it this summer ahead of their return to the top-flight, and Le Bris has signed two midfielders so far with Habib Diarra arriving at the Stadium of Light for a club-record £30million fee [BBC] from Strasbourg, while Noah Sadiki has joined the club from Union SG for a reported figure of £15m. [BBC].
Former club scout Brown recently told Football Insider that Sunderland are looking to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi too, while Xhaka reportedly wants to join the Black Cats as he seeks a return to English football from Bayer Leverkusen.
It is clear that Le Bris is after bolstering his options in the middle of the park, but that could be to Rigg’s detriment if he starts the season as a back-up to a new player, which is likely to be the case given his lack of experience.
Whether he wants to depart the club is unclear right now, but if Sunderland keep bringing in more new signings in his position, then it could be that he pushes for an exit to join a club that is set to guarantee him more Premier League game-time, such as Everton or West Ham.