Chris Rigg: Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea 'scouting' Real Madrid-linked 17-year-old

At the age of just 15, Rigg became Sunderland's youngest-ever debutant when he came on as a substitute in an FA Cup tie against Fulham in February 2023.

Rigg then became the Black Cats' youngest goalscorer in history at 16 when he made the net ripple against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup last August.

The midfielder, who turned 17 in June, went on to make 21 first-team appearances in the Championship for Sunderland last season and has since featured regularly under new head coach Regis Le Bris this term.

Rigg has played in each of Sunderland's opening five matches of the 2024-25 season in all competitions, helping the club win all four Championship games to climb to the top of the table with a maximum 12 points.

Rigg linked with big move despite penning new deal

Amid speculation about his future at the Stadium of Light earlier this year, Rigg committed his future to Sunderland in June by signing his first professional contract with the club until at least 2027.

"I am absolutely buzzing," Rigg told the club's website following confirmation of his new deal. "I have been dying to sign for almost a year now.

"The hard work starts now but I am looking forward to making many more memories representing this club."

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Chris's talent, and more recently his performances within the first team, made interest and speculation inevitable, and it is a testament to all behind the scenes that he has committed his future to our club."

Despite that, Rigg's name continues to be linked with a number of top European clubs, with La Liga giants Real Madrid allegedly one club who have identified the teenager as the 'next Jude Bellingham'.

PL trio to rival Real Madrid, Dortmund for Rigg

However, Real Madrid could face stern competition for Rigg's signature, as GIVEMESPORT claims that Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all registered their interest in signing the midfielder.

The report adds that the Premier League trio are scouting Rigg as they weigh up making a move for the highly-rated youngster in the near future, while Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with an interest.

As things stand, it is claimed that Rigg is prepared to bide his time at the Stadium of Light until the right move comes up for him, having only recently penned fresh contract terms with the Black Cats.

Rigg, who has represented England from Under-15 to Under-18 level, is expected to play for Sunderland in Saturday's Championship fixture away against Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle.