Jobe Bellingham reacts to Chris Rigg’s message amid Sunderland exit links
Jobe Bellingham has reacted after Chris Rigg sent a message to Sunderland supporters amid rumours of his potential departure from the Stadium of Light this summer.
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 liked by West Ham and a whole host of top-flight sides, and he has now taken to social media to send a message to Sunderland fans in the face of this widespread serious transfer interest.
Chris Rigg posts ‘recharged’ message
Football Insider recently revealed that Rigg is more likely to stay at the Stadium of Light than leave the club ahead of the new season, with Sunderland less willing to sell following Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund.
The 18-year-old starlet is clearly relaxed about what the future may hold for him on Wearside, as he took to Instagram on Sunday (6 July) to share a series of pictures of him away on holiday, while he also took the time to sign a Sunderland shirt, and captioned his post with a one-word message “Recharged” alongside full battery and sun emojis.
His post was reacted to by former teammate Bellingham, who left a like, while Dan Ballard, Enzo Le Fee, Tyler Dibling, Romaine Mundle and exit-linked Newcastle youngster Lewis Miley all followed suit.
Rigg could depart Sunderland if Le Bris continues to sign more midfielders
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 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 Football Insider also recently revealed that the Wearside club are considering a free transfer move for Abdoulaye Doucoure after his Everton exit.
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 could 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 the case that he pushes for an exit to join a club that is set to guarantee him more Premier League game-time.