Chris Rigg could follow Jack Clarke out of Sunderland if Black Cats can't deliver one thing

Chris Rigg is set to follow in the footsteps of Jack Clarke according to ex-England international Carlton Palmer but Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League could mean the teenager stays at the Stadium of Light. Rigg, 17, burst on to the stage last season at the Stadium of Light and has become a regular so far this term which is remarkable for one so young.

Sunderland were surprisingly handed their first defeat of the 2024/25 Championship league season on the road against Plymouth Argyle but Rigg again showed his excellent form before making way for Alan Browne in the second half. Palmer has praised Rigg for his ability levels this season and expressed the likelihood of him leaving the club.

In an interview with Football League World, Palmer said: “You want to have young players come into the side. You look at Jack Clarke, he came into the side, he was exceptional, and he’s got a move to Ipswich in the Premier League.

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“This is the model that Sunderland adopt, which is giving young players an opportunity, developing them, and selling them on. If somebody comes in with a big offer, they will let the player go, so we’ll have to see what happens. As a young kid, at 17, he has played in the first-team, which is an outstanding achievement in itself, but if a big club comes knocking, then he’ll move on.

“If Sunderland are promoted, it gives them more chance of keeping Rigg, but even if they were in the Premier League and if the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, you’re talking about two big powerhouses, come in for him, then of course he’s going to consider leaving.”

There are no doubts that Rigg will be wanted in January and the summer if he stays until the end of the season. He has shown proof to be one of the best prospects in world football by getting consistent game time at such a high level at his age, and there are no doubts he will only continue to progress in his development.