Birmingham City are reportedly setting their sights on a bold move for Sunderland’s highly-rated youngster, Chris Rigg, in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 17-year-old midfielder, who signed a two-year professional contract with Sunderland last summer amid growing interest from top European clubs and Premier League sides, has quickly become a key figure in Sunderland’s first team. Rigg’s performances this season, featuring in seven league games, have shown remarkable composure and talent for his age, making him one of the hottest young prospects in the country.
Despite Rigg’s importance to Sunderland, reports from journalist Alan Nixon have emerged suggesting that Birmingham City, now in League One following their relegation from the Championship, could be preparing a substantial offer for the young midfielder.
According to the report, via the Sunderland Echo, Birmingham’s ambitious American ownership is keen to invest heavily while the club is still in the third tier, where financial regulations allow for greater flexibility in spending.
“Birmingham City are plotting an extraordinary raid on Sunderland for midfield starlet Chris Rigg,” wrote Nixon. “The Blues have already splashed out fortunes on their new side in League One and now want the Black Cats babe.
“Birmingham’s American owners know they can spend easier in the third tier than when they are promoted to the Championship. This strategy was behind the swoop for Jay Stansfield and now Rigg is in their sights. They could even offer close to £10million.”
Birmingham’s owners appear to be taking a long-term approach with their squad rebuild, and securing a talent like Rigg would signal their intent to return to the Championship stronger than before.
The Blues currently top League One, having started the campaign in fine form, looking slick and fast in attack. This weekend, they overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Peterborough United, strengthening their grip on the League One top spot.
Who is Chris Rigg?
A midfielder by trade, Rigg came through the ranks at the Academy of Light, where he has been praised for his maturity and technical ability despite his young age. Rigg made headlines when he debuted for Sunderland’s first team at just 15 years old, becoming one of the youngest players in the club’s history to feature at a senior level.
His performances have attracted attention from top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, but he signed a two-year professional contract with Sunderland in 2023, committing his immediate future to the Black Cats. Known for his vision, composure, and passing range, Rigg has already started to make an impact in Sunderland’s first team, featuring regularly in their 2023-24 season. His potential has many tipping him to be one of England’s next big football talents.
Writer’s View
While Birmingham City’s ambition in targeting a young talent like Chris Rigg is commendable, the likelihood of this deal going through seems slim. Rigg is already attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with reports suggesting that Real Madrid are among those interested. Competing against a club with Madrid’s allure, financial clout, and ability to offer Champions League football would make it difficult for Birmingham to convince the 17-year-old to choose League One over La Liga.
Additionally, Rigg’s current trajectory suggests he’s destined for the top level, and a move to a club playing in England’s third tier, albeit likely second tier next season, might not align with his aspirations. While Birmingham’s owners may be willing to spend big, convincing Rigg to sidestep potential moves to elite European clubs would be a significant challenge. The Blues’ interest may signal intent, but landing a player of Rigg’s calibre remains a tall order.
He can sign for a big established club and not get a game or sign and grow with an ambitious club which will be challenging at the top of the championship next season.