Newcastle’s Pursuit of Sunderland Superstar Stalls as Manchester United Lurks, But Transfer Hopes Fade

25/09/2024 Raymond 0

Newcastle United have made significant strides in securing youth talent in recent years, but one missed opportunity that may linger is their failure to land Sunderland’s rising star, Chris Rigg. The 17-year-old midfielder, long tracked by Newcastle, has instead blossomed at Sunderland, where his match-winning goal in the recent Wear-Tees derby solidified his place in the senior team. Although Newcastle made a strong attempt to sign him in 2023, Sunderland convinced Rigg to stay with promises of first-team minutes, and he has since signed his first professional contract. Now, with Manchester United also circling, Newcastle’s chances of landing the young talent seem to be slipping away.

Jude Bellingham sends three-word message to brother Jobe that every Sunderland fan will really love

11/08/2024 Raymond 0

Jobe’s impressive performance in his first game back was an ideal start to the season, showcasing his growth from last year. While consistency remains key, his early display has set a positive tone for the campaign. With added pressure from rising talents like Chris Rigg and Adil Aouchiche, maintaining his form will be crucial for Sunderland’s promotion hopes. The early signs are promising, and fans eagerly anticipate his continued impact as the season progresses.

“Don’t get me wrong” – Sunderland striker concern played down amid Alexandre Mendy talk

08/08/2024 Raymond 0

Mason Cotcher, a standout in Sunderland’s youth ranks and attracting Premier League attention, is precisely the type of player the club wants in their first team. However, Sunderland has failed to promote Cotcher, and now he is set to leave without ever making a first-team appearance. This situation mirrors that of Chris Rigg, who also excelled in the academy and attracted Premier League interest. Unlike Cotcher, Rigg got a chance to play for the first team and is now poised to become a valuable asset for Sunderland. Kristjaan Speakman might regret losing Cotcher to Aston Villa, but this should serve as a valuable lesson for him and the club.

Former Sunderland coach delivers ‘exciting’ verdict on Black Cats prospects after South Shields win

14/07/2024 Raymond 0

Regis Le Bris began his Sunderland tenure with a resounding victory at South Shields. Former Sunderland academy coach Elliott Dickman praised the club’s young talents and urged them to seize the opportunity to impress the new head coach. In his debut match, Le Bris saw his team secure a 5-0 win, with first-half goals from Patrick Roberts, Trai Hume, Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda, and Adil Aouchiche. Numerous academy players, including Tommy Watson, Harrison Jones, and Ben Crompton, were given a chance to shine in the second half, showcasing their potential.

Dickman noted the difficulty of breaking into the first-team environment but expressed optimism about the young players’ prospects. He highlighted the progress of Chris Rigg, Tommy Watson, Caden Kelly, and Harrison Jones, emphasizing the importance of impressing the new manager. The win at South Shields positively impacted Le Bris, who now focuses on the team’s upcoming trip to Spain to face Nottingham Forest and CD Eldense. Dickman believes the match was a great start for Le Bris and will help prepare Sunderland for a challenging season ahead.

Sunderland AFC news: Black Cats star suffers minor post-season injury with slight hip problem

31/05/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland player Chris Rigg sustained a minor injury while representing England in Cyprus. Rigg, who captained England’s under-17 team, was taken off in the 88th minute during their match against Italy at the European U17 Championships due to a slight hip injury. This minor injury occurred as the game neared extra-time, and his removal was a precautionary measure.

During the 2023-24 season, Rigg made 21 appearances for Sunderland’s first team in the Championship, starting eight of the last eleven matches. His performances have attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle. Sunderland is hopeful that the opportunity for senior football will persuade him to stay with the club. Recognized as one of the top talents in his age group globally, Rigg remains a target for major clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.

Rigg garnered significant attention earlier this season when he scored against Southampton, becoming Sunderland’s youngest-ever league goalscorer. He headed in Sunderland’s fifth goal of the game from an Abdoullah Ba cross, a moment that underscored his potential and furthered interest from top-tier clubs.