Everton Join Hunt For Reported Birmingham City Target

Birmingham City’s ambition of signing Chris Rigg has taken a further blow, as Everton have emerged as one of several Premier League clubs reportedly keen on Sunderland’s highly-rated young midfielder.

Rigg, who was also linked with a surprise move to the Blues yesterday, is hot property right now, and Everton joining the hunt adds another name to the list of suitors offering more than League One football. The 17-year-old has drawn considerable attention across Europe following a series of standout performances in the Championship this season.

According to The Sun, via The Sunderland Echo, Everton are “monitoring” Rigg, who signed a three-year contract with Sunderland last summer, committing him to the club until 2027. However, his contract hasn’t discouraged interest from top sides, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund all rumoured to be tracking the teenager’s progress. Reports suggest that Sunderland have placed a £30 million price tag on the rising star, though Birmingham, also linked with the player, reportedly value him closer to £10 million – another barrier for the Blues when it comes to securing a deal for their supposed target.

Rigg, who made his debut for Sunderland at just 15 years old in an FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town, has continued to shine this season, despite his tender age. He netted his first league goal at 16 and recently scored a back-heeled winner against Middlesbrough. With Rigg now featuring in every one of Sunderland’s league matches this season, his stock has only continued to rise, making him one of the most exciting young prospects in English football.

The Wearsiders are well-positioned to retain Rigg’s services in the short term, thanks to his long-term contract, but Everton’s interest signals potential competition for his signature in the future. Sunderland’s head coach, Régis Le Bris, has expressed confidence in the youngster’s development and contribution to the team.

“Chris Rigg is a good symbol of what we want to create and what we want to build as a team and as a club,” Le Bris told the BBC, highlighting the midfielder’s importance to Sunderland’s long-term vision.

Le Bris, who took over Sunderland’s managerial duties this season, also praised Rigg’s maturity beyond his years, stressing the player’s desire to learn and grow. “I don’t think the age is a problem. You can have a high level of maturity at 17, and you can have a low level of maturity at 30,” he said, noting Rigg’s keen understanding of the game.

In a team full of youthful talent, Rigg has distinguished himself as a standout performer. The teenager’s ability to make an impact in key moments has not gone unnoticed by his manager. Le Bris acknowledged the player’s character and willingness to step up, even in high-pressure situations, adding, “Chris has this character, this personality to play whatever the circumstances.”

While Sunderland’s squad features several young talents, Le Bris has made clear that Rigg’s team-first mentality sets him apart. “He is also a very good team-mate, so he is a very good symbol for us,” Le Bris concluded.

As Sunderland face increasing interest in their promising young star, they must balance Rigg’s individual development with the team’s ambitions to return to the Premier League. The club’s decision to secure Rigg on a long-term deal was a proactive move, but competition from major clubs both in England and abroad could test their resolve in the coming transfer windows.

Writer’s View

Chris Rigg’s rise through the ranks at Sunderland is nothing short of remarkable. Making his debut at 15 and already delivering match-winning performances in the Championship at 17, Rigg’s combination of technical skill, maturity, and confidence make him one of the most exciting prospects in English football today. Régis Le Bris has managed his development well, providing the teenager with opportunities to grow without piling too much pressure on him.

Birmingham City’s chances of signing Rigg are incredibly slim, to say the least. The club’s relegation from the Championship means they no longer have the pull or resources to compete with Premier League giants like Everton, let alone European heavyweights such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, who have also been linked with the young talent. A move to Birmingham seems far-fetched given the competition and Rigg’s £30 million price tag. Realistically, they’re out of the race.

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