Sunderland already have a homegrown Bouaddi brewing & it’s not Rigg
Sunderland concluded an incredible 2025 by drawing 1-1 against Leeds United. It has truly been a remarkable year for the Black Cats, having finally secured promotion back to the Premier League. However, the Wearside club was just beginning with this impressive achievement, reflecting on four losses from 18 league games so far, which has allowed Regis Le Bris’ squad to enter 2026 in a strong seventh place.
Sunderland fans would have been satisfied if their squad had merely limped to a 17th-place finish at the end of their first season back among the elite, with the passionate supporters at the Stadium of Light jumping into the New Year in a blissful state. Yet, not everything is perfect on Wearside, as Chris Rigg is finding it challenging to adapt to the rigors of the Premier League after a breakout season under Le Bris.
Rigg’s struggles at Sunderland
For an 18-year-old still finding his footing, Rigg seems to have been a part of the senior squad at Sunderland for quite a while. In fact, he was just 15 years old when Tony Mowbray granted him his first taste of senior football in the FA Cup.
However, even though he has had glimpses to shine, it was last season, under Le Bris’ guidance, that the homegrown prospect truly emerged as a reliable first-team player. Remarkably, Rigg participated in 45 Championship matches under the French coach, having managed only 21 league appearances the previous season. Making him a regular starter proved to be a brilliant decision.
The 12-time England U19 international recorded four goals and one assist as his team clinched the playoff title, leading commentator Ian Darke to assert that he will “obviously play in the Premier League,” even if Sunderland had not made it to the top tier. He was also hailed as a “phenomenal” talent by scout Ben Mattinson; during the playoff final, he showcased his bravery by winning two tackles and three duels for his childhood club.
Regrettably for the promising teenager, he has yet to find his footing on such a grand platform, despite previously being linked with a move to Manchester United, having not registered any goals or assists in his 253 minutes of play. With reports suggesting that Sunderland may pursue Ayyoub Bouaddi to strengthen their midfield options, Rigg could find himself further down the lineup.
However, given Le Bris’ track record with Rigg, it may be more beneficial to promote another academy gem to enhance his choices rather than spending a significant amount on the Arsenal-linked starlet.
Sunderland are already brewing a homegrown Bouaddi
Bouaddi is undoubtedly the focus of conversation in the Premier League as the chaotic January transfer window approaches. The 18-year-old, already labeled “world-class” by scout Jacek Kulig, has attracted interest from clubs like Chelsea and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, apart from the ambitious Black Cats. Comfortable either as a central defensive player or pushing further up, the Lille prodigy has recorded four assists in 74 senior appearances, resulting in a hefty £52m price tag being placed on him.
It is evident that Bouaddi is on a trajectory for a significant transfer in January, already demonstrating himself as a Champions League-caliber player at just 18 years old. Sunderland remains optimistic about their ability to compete with wealthier clubs in their quest to sign him. However, if they ultimately fall short, they won’t be overly disappointed, as Harrison Jones stands out as a similarly skilled performer in midfield for the Black Cats’ U21 squad.
| Stat | Jones |
|---|---|
| Games played | 74 |
| Senior appearances | 7 |
| Goals scored | 16 |
| Assists | 14 |
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Jones, equally versatile in playing as a midfield anchor or advancing as a number ten, resembles Bouaddi with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 14 assists from 67 youth appearances and climbing.
Six of those goal contributions have occurred this season in Premier League 2 matches, with the Sunderland-born “diamond”—a label given by youth coach John Hewitson—continuing to impress as a notable midfielder, echoing his £52m counterpart.
He would cost Sunderland no money to integrate into the first team, unlike the expensive acquisition of Bouaddi, as the club has previously seen success in promoting talents like Rigg to the senior setup, despite his unfortunate dip in form since securing promotion. Bouaddi, of course, has already faced the tough demands of stages like the Premier League, which justifies such a high price, having made nine appearances in the Champions League.
Still, it seems far-fetched that Le Bris and his team will be able to attract him to Wearside, with Jones more than a worthy alternative, having frequently found himself on the bench under the Frenchman this season.
Published: 2025-12-31 07:15:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
