Tottenham, where Son Heung-min (33) plays, is once again focusing on a teenager.
The Sun reported on the 24th (Korea time), citing the Sunderland Echo, that Tottenham wants central midfielder Chris Rigg (18), who plays for Sunderland in the EFL Championship (second division), and has already made a transfer offer of £38 million (about 721 billion won).
At just 17 years old, Rigg is a product of the Sunderland youth system. Rigg, who grew up at Sunderland, made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town, which they won 2-1, in January 2023. At that time, Rigg was 15 years, 6 months, and 20 days old.
Contracted until the summer of 2027, Rigg has stepped up to a starting position since the second half of last season, scoring 2 goals in 21 league matches. He has shown growth this season with 4 goals and 1 assist in 34 league matches.
Rigg was initially expected to re-sign with Sunderland. However, it seems he has expressed a desire to develop by playing in the first division. For this reason, several Premier League clubs have shown interest in Rigg.
As a result, Sunderland has set Rigg's transfer fee at £20 million (about 380 billion won), but West Ham United is negotiating at around £10 million (about 190 billion won).
Spain's Pichajes also emphasized that Tottenham is showing interest in Rigg. This outlet added that Tottenham has made an offer that is double the amount Sunderland evaluated.
Ultimately, Tottenham's large offer indicates their determination to acquire Rigg. Sunderland is likely unable to reject such a large offer.
There are variables. If Sunderland gets promoted to the Premier League, the situation could change. Currently, Sunderland is in 4th place in the league (with 69 points). Although the possibility of automatic promotion has disappeared, they still have a chance to be promoted through the playoffs.
This situation reminds one of Tottenham's acquisition of Archie Gray (19) from Leeds United last summer for £40 million (about 759 billion won). Gray also accepted a transfer to Tottenham as Leeds failed to gain promotion.
Gray has become an indispensable presence under manager Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham has faced a wave of injuries this season. He has showcased his presence by playing as a center-back, full-back, and defensive midfielder.
This season, along with Gray, Tottenham has seen notable performances from teenagers like Lucas Beriwal (19) and Mikey Moore (18). Next season, Min-hyeok Yang (19), who is on loan at Queens Park Rangers (QPR), is expected to join.
Meanwhile, Rigg recently appeared on Sunderland's official YouTube channel and noted, "People may not know how meaningful it is to wear a Sunderland jersey and do my best for the team" and "I try to practice that every time I'm on the field. That's why playing for Sunderland is very special to me."
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