Real Madrid are reportedly considering Chris Rigg as an alternative to Florian Wirtz, with the teenager a target for Manchester United.
Real Madrid are exploring potential alternatives to Florian Wirtz, and one name that has recently emerged on their radar is Chris Rigg. The Sunderland midfielder, who plays alongside Jude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe, has caught the attention of Los Blancos’ scouting team with his exceptional performances. Despite being only 17 years old, Rigg is already being compared to Bellingham himself due to his dynamic playing style and maturity on the field.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s primary target remains the German. But securing the Bayer Leverkusen star’s services could prove difficult. As a result, the club’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, has presented a list of backup options to the Real Madrid executives, with Rigg being one of the standout names.
While there is recognition of Rigg’s potential, there is also a consensus that it might be too early to integrate him into the first team at Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid’s scouts in England are set to closely monitor his progress throughout the season to assess whether he could be a valuable addition to the squad in the near future.
Rigg, who is gaining a reputation for his versatility and composure, has been compared to both Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in terms of his positional adaptability and playing style. Should he continue to impress, Real Madrid might move quickly to secure his signature before other clubs, including Premier League rivals, ramp up their interest.
Manchester United Also Keen on Rigg
Real Madrid are not the only club keeping tabs on Chris Rigg. Manchester United have also identified the Sunderland starlet as a potential future signing. The Red Devils are known for their proactive approach to scouting young talent, and Rigg;s performances have certainly not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.
Manchester United, who have been heavily investing in their midfield options, view Rigg as a long-term project who could eventually follow in the footsteps of players like Jude Bellingham. United’s interest in Rigg poses a significant threat to Real Madrid’s plans, particularly given the recent competition between the two clubs over young talents.
The saga surrounding the pursuit of Leny Yoro, who eventually chose Manchester United over Real Madrid, is still fresh in the minds of Madrid’s hierarchy. They are keen to avoid a repeat scenario and may accelerate their plans to approach Rigg if his development continues to impress.
Real Madrid’s Midfield Revolution
Real Madrid are in the midst of a generational shift in their midfield, having already secured the services of young stars like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouameni. The club’s executives, led by Florentino Pérez, are determined to build a midfield that can dominate European football for years to come. Adding a player of Rigg’s potential to the mix could provide Real Madrid with even more versatility and depth.
While it remains to be seen whether Rigg will make the leap to a top club this summer, his performances will continue to be under the spotlight. Both Real Madrid and Manchester United are set to keep a close eye on his development, knowing that the competition for his signature could become fierce as his profile rises.
For now, Real Madrid’s focus is on assessing whether Rigg could fit into their long-term plans, potentially as an alternative to Wirtz. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this transfer story unfolds, with both European giants vying for the signature of one of England’s brightest young talents.
