Man Utd NIGHTMARE: Chelsea join race for 'new Bellingham'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 25 Oct 2024 13:56 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, according to reports.

The 17-year-old has become a regular at the Stadium of Light under new boss Regis Le Bris and he is being monitored by a host of top European clubs, including both Real Madrid and Liverpool.

However, Man Utd are currently leading the race for his signature as Erik ten Hag’s side aim to bolster their midfield in 2025, despite the summer arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

READ MORE: Chelsea superstar tipped for January exit

Rigg has already racked up 37 first-team appearances for Sunderland, scoring six goals, and he has started 10 of their 11 Championship games so far this season.

His rapid ascent in senior football has resulted in comparisons to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, who enjoyed a similarly impressive breakthrough at Birmingham City.

Man Utd missed out on Bellingham back in 2020, with the England international opting to join Borussia Dortmund despite significant interest from the Red Devils, and the Old Trafford outfit are eager to avoid the same thing happening with Rigg.

However, they are set to face significant competition from Chelsea, according to CaughtOffside.

READ MORE: Man Utd 'line up' spectacular double transfer

Chris Rigg to Chelsea?

Chelsea have prioritised signing the best young talents in world football since Clearlake Capital’s arrival in 2022, and they have reportedly now set their sights on agreeing a deal to bring Rigg to west London.

As per CaughtOffside, Chelsea have sent scouts to watch the Sunderland teenager in action against Leeds United, Hull City and Luton Town in recent weeks, with the Blues eyeing a possible move in 2025.

The Stamford Bridge club already have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu on their books, but Rigg has emerged as a legitimate target for next summer.

Rigg made his first-team debut for Sunderland at the age of just 15, becoming the club’s second-youngest ever player when he appeared off the bench during a Carabao Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town in January 2023.