Chris Rigg’s breakout Sunderland campaign.
Rigg has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Stadium of Light, making 13 league appearances for the Wearside outfit.
He bagged his first league goal in a debut Championship appearance off the bench in a 5-0 win over Southampton in September.
But the teen could depart Sunderland in the summer, as he will be free to sign a first professional contract with any club once he turns 17 in June.
The Championship side would be owed a fee determined by tribunal, but their preference would be for Rigg to remain at the Stadium of Light beyond this term and to sign a full-time deal – Newcastle are lurking though and they could be helped by Rigg’s family ties to the Magpies.
Would Sunderland to Newcastle be a good move for Chris Rigg?
Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on whether a move to St. James’ Park would be more or less beneficial than staying with Sunderland…
Declan Harte
Rigg is getting game time at Sunderland right now under Mike Dodds, and will surely be a part of the new head coach’s plans next season if he stays – or even if a new face comes into the dugout.
The step up to Newcastle would bring him to the Premier League, but it is doubtful that he would receive the same level of game time in Eddie Howe’s side.
While there’s no doubt he would get there eventually, that senior level experience he is getting at this age may be more valuable in the long-run.
Another season with the Black Cats under his belt would be the best for his long-term development, as long as he gets assurances that the new coach will continue to give him opportunities in the first team.
