According to a report from Sunderland Echo, there is intense competition between Liverpool and Manchester United as they vie for the signature of Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg at the conclusion of the season.
The 16-year-old midfielder from the Championship has swiftly made a mark as a key player for the Black Cats, drawing the interest of leading Premier League clubs with his performances.
Numerous teams were associated with a potential transfer for Rigg during the summer, and according to the Sunderland Echo, Liverpool and Manchester United are prominently interested parties ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Yet, they encounter strong rivalry as Chelsea and Manchester City are also mentioned as possible contenders, alongside European powerhouses like Bayern Munich who are closely monitoring the situation.
Rigg has the potential to be a valuable asset for clubs such as Man Utd and Liverpool in the future, making his destination a topic of considerable interest.
Sunderland will be reluctant to part ways with such a promising prospect in the near future, but the financial resources of Premier League clubs could prove tempting.
Last year, there was talk of a £3 million transfer fee, but Rigg’s value has undoubtedly soared following a standout season. He made history by becoming Sunderland’s youngest ever goal-scorer at just 16 years and 51 days old in August last year.
Chris Rigg represents a potential investment for the future.
Rigg has the versatility to play both as a central midfielder and a defensive midfielder. Manchester United could benefit from his skillset, potentially grooming him into a significant first-team contributor in the upcoming seasons.
Likewise, Liverpool is in need of defensive midfield reinforcement. Their failure to secure a quality defensive midfielder at the beginning of the season has led them to deploy Alexis Mac Allister in the defensive midfield role. It’s imperative for Liverpool to address this position soon, and Rigg could offer a long-term solution.
Although the 16-year-old may not be prepared for consistent Premier League action presently, he possesses the potential to thrive in the top flight given appropriate coaching and direction.
Finding a club with a transparent route to the first team is crucial for his development, making clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool potentially better fits for the player.