Sunderland stated that maintaining Chris Rigg would be huge post-Mick Beale.
Sunderland’s prospects of retaining midfielder Chris Rigg have allegedly improved following Michael Beale’s dismissal.
Pundit Carlton Palmer says it would be big for Sunderland to sign midfielder Chris Rigg to a new deal.
Rigg came through the Black Cats’ youth and, after making his first-team debut last season, has two goals in nine appearances in all competitions this season.
The midfielder will be 17 in June, making him eligible to sign a professional deal, and he is receiving major interest from other clubs, including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.
According to talkSPORT, Rigg was “among a number of players disillusioned” under former head coach Michael Beale, making only two substitute appearances during his tenure. However, now that the 43-year-old has been fired, Sunderland are hoping that his departure will persuade Rigg to sign a new contract.
Beale just replaced Tony Mowbray at the Stadium of Light in December, but he failed to persuade fans who were skeptical of his appointment, and he was fired after winning only four of his 12 games in command.
Mike Dodds, who was a successful caretaker prior to Beale’s appointment, has been named temporary head coach until the end of the season, and Rigg is “expected to be given more playing time” by him.
Sunderland are presently 10th in the Championship league, seven points behind the play-offs.
Palmer says Sunderland will not want to lose. Chris Rigg
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer stated that it would be a significant boost for Sunderland if Rigg committed his future to the club, and that more game time under Dodds might be essential in enticing him to stay.
“It could be interesting this, with Mick Beale exiting and Mike Dodds being installed as caretaker manager, whether Chris Rigg will play consistently from now until the end of the season,” Palmer stated in a statement.
“They don’t want to be losing Chris Rigg, he can sign for any club come the end of the season when he becomes 17.”It would be a tremendous boost for the Black Cats if they could persuade him to stay because they’ve done all the hard work, he’s come up through the ranks, and losing him, especially to Newcastle, who are thought to be in the running to sign him, would be really upsetting.
Mike Dodds, the caretaker manager, may choose to play Chris Rigg, a talented player, until the end of the season. If Rigg performs well, the football club may consider signing him to a new contract.
Mike Dodds’ appointment could be vital for Chris Rigg’s future.
Rigg is a tremendously talented young player, and it’s hard to disagree with Palmer that signing him to a new contract would be a major boost for Sunderland.
Beale was supposed to be unpopular among the Black Cats players, but Dodds is well-liked in the dressing room and will assist to restore some brightness to the club.
Dodds has an outstanding track record of developing young players, most notably Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City, and he should give Rigg more opportunities in the coming months.
If Dodds gets the permanent post in the summer, Sunderland has a good chance of keeping Rigg, although it may be difficult for him to turn down an offer from one of Europe’s major teams.
