“There’s no way” – Pundit reacts as Inter Milan plot Sunderland AFC transfer
Chris Rigg has set tongues wagging this season with his performances for Sunderland, despite his young age.
The 17-year-old has been a key figure for the Black Cats, missing only a handful of games in the club’s promotion charge this campaign.
Naturally, his output at such a young age has caught attention, with the latest club credited with an interest being Serie A outfit Inter Milan, according to Italian outlet Inter Live.
We asked pundit and former England international, Carlton Palmer, for his thoughts on the proposed move.
Pundit urges Chris Rigg to stay put amid Inter Milan interest
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “They believe the Serie A giants are hoping to steal a march over English clubs and are preparing to offer in the region of £12.5million.
“There’s no way he’ll be leaving Sunderland for £12.5 million. Would a move to Italy suit him more than going to Man United or Arsenal, who have been linked with him?
“Of course, you want to play. You want to play football. The Italian switch would be interesting for him. You look at the likes of [Fikayo] Tomori, Tammy Abraham and [Ademola] Lookman, they’ve all had great success by moving to Italy.
“So, it might be interesting. But, for me, right now, you stay where you are. You’re 17 years of age. You’re learning your trade. You’re going to be in the play-offs this season, you could well be in the Premier League.
“I mean, it’s inevitable Chris Rigg will leave Sunderland because he’s destined for big things in the game, but at his age, what you don’t want to be doing is going to the likes of Arsenal and Man United and sitting on the bench, you’ve got to you’ve got to be playing football on a regular basis.
“So it’ll be interesting to see. I know he loves being at Sunderland. And like I’ve said, I think they’re way off the mark with the amount that they’re looking at offering.
“I mean Sunderland would be looking for in the region, I would say, of £25-£30million. The teenager’s contributed four goals on one assist from 28 appearances in the Championship so far this season. He’s cemented himself as a key figure under Regis Le Bris. He’s a very, very talented young man.
“But, you know, Inter Milan have been impressed by the 17-year-old, who hasn’t been impressed by him? But obviously you dream of playing at Man United, you dream of playing at Arsenal, but you want to be playing regular football.
“So that’s what he’s got to keep on doing at the moment. I would say if he’s going to move and they’re going to sell him, it would be a great opportunity for him to go there.”
Sunderland acted smart in the summer, but they may need to go again
The Black Cats acted quickly in the summer to get Rigg tied down to a three-year deal, incredibly smart business from the club, which now puts them firmly in the driving seat when such interest starts surfacing.
However, Capology estimate that the contract he signed is worth £1500 a week — mind-blowing money for any average teenager, but a fraction of the sums he’ll likely be hearing mooted by the European giants circling.
