Newcastle United have missed out on the signing of Chris Rigg after the teenager decided to commit his future to Sunderland.
The 17-year-old midfielder has been a young man in demand heading into this summer, with Newcastle United one of the clubs linked with handing Chris Rigg his first professional contract.
At one point in time it was reported that the Magpies were actually the favourites to sign Rigg, who comes from a Newcastle United supporting family despite playing for Sunderland.
Manchester United were also in the mix for the youngster’s signature, but the hope at the Stadium of Light was that Sunderland would convince Rigg to stay put and continue his career on Wearside.
And that is exactly what he has done.
Chris Rigg explains contract decision despite Newcastle interest
It was announced on Tuesday that Rigg has signed his first professional contract with Sunderland, ending all speculation over a summer move to Newcastle United.
That is a blow for the Magpies, as Rigg is an immensely talented young player with a lot of potential. It would have been great to see him alongside Lewis Miley in the future, but that dream is now on hold.
He has decided to stay at Sunderland, and has explained to their official website why he has committed his future to the Black Cats.
“I am absolutely buzzing, to be honest,” he said.
“It is a proud moment for myself and my family to be signing my first professional contract at a club like Sunderland. I have been dying to sign it for almost a year now.
“I want to develop as a player and improve as a person, and I believe this is the best place for me to do that.
“All the staff have been unbelievable with me throughout my journey at the Academy of Light, but there are still so many improvements I can make. The hard work starts now, but I am looking forward to making many more memories representing this club.”
Rigg will play more at Sunderland than Newcastle
Based on Rigg’s comments, it sounds like he had no intention of leaving Sunderland, despite interest from local rivals Newcastle United.
While it is disappointing to miss out on a talent like Rigg and it would have been great to poach him from the Black Cats, his decision to remain on Wearside is understandable.
He will play so much more first-team football in the immediate future, while he would not have got that opportunity at Newcastle. If he had signed for the Magpies, he would have joined a club that already has six senior midfielders. He probably would have arrived as a youth recruit, whilst he would have been battling for opportunities to play alongside 18-year-old Lewis Miley.
It is a shame to see him stay at Sunderland, but the decision makes sense and should benefit his career in the long run. And who knows, perhaps he could be a target again for Newcastle in the future. If he continues to shine and develop as a player, he may end up outgrowing Sunderland – especially if they continue to play their football outside the Premier League.
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