Rigg, a 16-year-old midfielder for Sunderland, is set to showcase his talents with the England Under-17s at the Euro finals. This opportunity has attracted the attention of German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, both of whom are keen on acquiring his services. In fact, Xabi Alonso, the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, is believed to be particularly interested in Rigg.
The potential move to Germany would not be unprecedented, as Rigg could follow in the footsteps of former English prodigies Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made successful transitions to the Bundesliga. However, it’s not just German clubs that have shown interest in the young midfielder. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been rumored as potential destinations for Rigg.
The rise of Rigg has been remarkable, with him already making eight starts for Sunderland’s first team. He even captained England at the under-16 level before being promoted to the under-17 squad at the age of fifteen. His performances for Sunderland’s youth team and in the first team have earned him rave reviews, with many considering him to be the best player of his age in the country.
Rigg’s journey to this point has been filled with achievements. He made his debut for Sunderland against Southampton last September and scored a goal, becoming the club’s youngest ever league goalscorer. This record had previously been held by Jimmy Hamilton for over fifty years. Prior to that, Rigg made an appearance in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury at the tender age of fifteen, becoming Sunderland’s youngest outfield player ever.
It’s worth noting that Rigg had opportunities elsewhere before committing to Sunderland. Last summer, he reportedly turned down a move to Newcastle United, choosing instead to sign a two-year scholarship contract with Sunderland. This decision has proven to be fruitful for Rigg, as he continues to impress with his performances on the pitch.
As Rigg prepares to represent England in the upcoming European U-17 Championship, all eyes will be on him. The tournament will provide him with another platform to showcase his skills and attract potential suitors. Whether he ends up at Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United, or any other club, Rigg’s talent and potential are undeniable. It’s only a matter of time before he fulfills his promise and becomes a household name in English football.