Midfielder, Chris Rigg has extended his stay at Sunderland to June 2030 with a new five-year contract.
Rigg’s new contract comes days after he made his Premier League debut for the Black Cats in a 2-0 away defeat at Burnley, which marked his 73rd of 74 senior appearances after he started in their Carabao Cup exit at home to Huddersfield on Tuesday (26 August).
Across his 74 appearances in all competitions, the 18-year-old midfielder has scored seven goals, of which his first senior goal came as an equaliser in the first round of 2023-24 Carabao Cup at home to Crewe Alexandra, although Sunderland subsequently lost that tie on penalties.
Rigg has now signed a new five-year contract to stay on Wearside until June 2030 and is relieved to finally achieve a long-term contract, having made his senior debut aged 15 against Shrewsbury in a third-round tie in 2022-23 FA Cup.
“It feels great to sign this new contract. There was only ever one ambition I had, and that was to agree a long-term deal here.
“It’s been an incredible journey since I made my debut at 15, and I love playing here and being here every day, so I’m absolutely buzzing.
“The past couple of years have flown by – it only feels like yesterday that I made my Championship debut, and a couple of weeks ago I made my Premier League debut. It feels unreal, and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me, and I’m so proud to be part of this team and this Club.”
Sunderland’s Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman added that the club is “delighted” to secure Rigg on a long-term contract, after he scored four goals in 42 league appearances last season to help the Black Cats secure promotion to the top flight.
“He was an integral part of our success last season, and we are delighted with the progress he has made from the academy to our senior group.
“His accomplishments to date are impressive for a young player, but Chris, like the Club, is looking forward, and we believe he’s a really important part of our future.
“This is another fantastic moment for our academy and our staff, who have developed, progressed, and now retained a top talent, which is key to our strategy and culture.”
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