"He's just got everything" - Transfer prediction dropped on Sunderland AFC ace Chris Rigg | OneFootball

The Black Cats have a host of young stars that could be targeted in the summer transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland AFC lost ground in the automatic promotion battle on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Watford FC.

An 89th minute equaliser from Dennis Cirkin secured a point for the Black Cats after the visitors had come from behind and looked on course to inflict Regis Le Bris' first league defeat at the Stadium of Light.

The Wearsiders are now five points behind Sheffield United, who occupy second place, and seven points behind league leaders, Leeds United.

Nevertheless, Sunderland still have one of the most exciting and young teams in the EFL, and despite losing ground to their rivals, there is still more than enough time to catch back up. However, promotion is needed to ensure that the crux of this squad is held together past the summer.

Verdict made on player most likely to receive summer interest

The Black Cats had an excellent January transfer window, and they were able to add more strength to their squad without losing any of their core members.

But, with the fight for automatic promotion becoming more competitive, and the gap now widening, there will be fears that some of their key players will be targeted come the end of the season.

Football League World has asked their Sunderland Fan Pundit, Jordan Newcombe, which player he believes will attract the most interest in the summer transfer window.

He told FLW: "The one player that I think will attract most in the transfer window in the summer is Chris Rigg.

"It's just everything about him. The space he gets in the way he plays, his attitude – he’s got a brilliant attitude. He goes on the pitch and gives his all every week whether he comes on from the bench, after an injury or suspension, or if he starts.

"His attitude to the game is brilliant. He goes out there, he gives 100% and he grafts as much as he needs to, and even beyond at times, such as when we’re in tight games against Burnley or Leeds, or other high-quality opponents. He does it in every game."

Jordan continued: "He strides for the win and he's a young talent. He's a great young prospect for his age. It really shows that if he's starting for a Championship club like Sunderland, then who says he can't go on to play for a Premier League club?

"Hopefully that’s with us next season, but it could be with someone else if we do, unfortunately, let him go. I don't think we will, but I think the most attractive player will be Rigg because he's just got everything about him."

Rigg is maturing into an incredible talent

At just 17, Rigg has the world at his feet and the Premier League is a very realistic target for the next couple of years, whether that is with the Black Cats or elsewhere.

He burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring on his Championship debut against Southampton in a 5-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Since then, he has started to mature into one of the second tier's most exciting youngsters.

Some of England's top clubs, like Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are keeping an eye on Rigg's development at Sunderland, as per Caught Offside, and there will be a desire to capture a future England international before he moves elsewhere.

But, promotion to the Premier League for the Wearsiders will only help in securing the teenager's future for a few more seasons, and as with the midfielder being local, they may be able to sway his mind.