Isidor, Bellingham react to Sunderland message on exit-linked Chris Rigg
Wilson Isidor and Jobe Bellingham reacted to a message from Sunderland to the in-demand youngster Chris Rigg.
The Black Cats’ playoff run will go down in history as not only one of the most unexpected but also one of the most spectacular.
As if a last-second winner from Dan Ballard wasn’t unbelievable enough, Brighton’s new boy Tommy Watson scored with his last kick in a red and white shirt to send Sunderland to the Premier League.
However, the Black Cats have been brought back down to Earth in a flash by the harsh reality of overachieving.
Borussia Dortmund have snapped up Bellingham, Watson is gone, and with a crop of exciting young talent, big clubs are lining up moves for many of the stars of Sunderland‘s playoff run.
The cash boost received from promotion to the Premier League will strengthen the Black Cats’ negotiating position, but the temptation for their young stars to move to sides competing in European competition will be difficult to ignore.
Sunderland share message to record-breaker Chris Rigg
Sunderland posted a picture of Rigg on Instagram with the caption: “Our youngest-ever goalscorer and outfield player turns 18 today. Happy birthday, Riggy!”
The post was liked by teammate Isidor and Dortmund new-boy Bellingham, showing their support for the young midfielder.
Chris Rigg backed to stay at Sunderland
Football Insider Verdict
Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively that following Bellingham’s departure, Rigg has a good chance of remaining at Sunderland.
Having received £27million [BBC Sport] for the 19-year-old, the Black Cats are in a strong financial position and will not need to accept an offer for the 18-year-old.
However, staving off interest for their young star will not come easily, and there is interest from Everton in Rigg.
Should the young star push for a move, it may be difficult to keep the attacking midfielder as the wonderkid has just two years remaining on his contract.
Elsewhere at the Stadium of Light, Ian Darke exclusively told Mackem News that Le Bris will likely have interest after achieving promotion last season.