The name Chris Rigg is well know to Sunderland supporters after a stellar breakthrough campaign at just 15-years-old. The new Black Cats record holder burst onto the scene last year and is one of the brightest talents coming through at the club.
However, flash back to the start of 2022 and he was almost unheard of outside of the academy set-up. It was during the U15s Floodlit Cup final where Rigg netted a stunning free-kick in a 4-2 win over Crystal Palace that people started to sit up and take note.
The youngster has played ahead of his age group and attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle, but it's Sunderland who are in the driving seat as things stand. Rigg became Sunderland's youngest-ever outfielder at the age of 15 years and 203 days when he came off the bench in the FA Cup third round game at Shrewsbury in January.
He would make two further appearances in the same competitions - in the fourth round tie at Fulham where he scored a disallowed winner, and in the replay on Wearside - for a total of 24 minutes. His performances in a red and white shirt have only heightened interest in him and Sunderland will have to do all they can to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
READ MORE: Sunderland star suffers international disappointment after Euro 2024 qualification defeat
Rigg missed the tail end of the campaign through injury but could be set for a bigger part in the upcoming campaign. Boss Tony Mowbray admitted the youngster was good enough to play but wasn't sure where his future lies.
He said: "To be honest, I'm not really sure what's happening [with Rigg's contract]. I don't get involved on that side of things.
"I just try to work with the players, and obviously Chris is only in one or two days a week. I don't see him very often, and I have no idea about that [his contract] side of things with him.
"Kristjaan [Speakman] is the guy who can give an update on that sort of stuff."
Rigg has only just turned 16 on the 18th of June and will have to wait another year until his 17th birthday when he can sign a professional contract. It means the Black Cats will likely have him for another season at least, unless the club agrees a deal with interested parties.
The club's plan to keep Rigg at the club is evident given his first-team opportunities.
