Everton eye Sunderland’s Chris Rigg but £25m valuation gap stalls talks

Everton are the latest Premier League club to be linked with Chris Rigg, but a significant difference in valuations is keeping any deal at arm’s length. According to Team Talk, the Toffees rate the 18-year-old at around £15 million, while Sunderland are holding firm at £40 million.

Rigg, one of England’s brightest midfield prospects, has two years remaining on his current contract. Everton are prepared to monitor his progress this season before deciding whether to make a formal approach, despite receiving glowing scouting reports on his development.

“We’ll Watch His Adaptation Closely”

Everton’s recruitment team has been tracking Chris Rigg for some time, with scouts attending multiple Sunderland matches last season to assess his readiness for a potential Premier League move. Those within the club believe the 18-year-old possesses the temperament and technical skill to adapt quickly to top-flight football, but there is also a recognition that making the jump from the Championship can be challenging — especially for a player so young.

That is why Everton are in no rush to force the issue this summer, preferring instead to monitor how Rigg develops if and when he gets his first taste of Premier League action. The plan is to be ready to act if his progress matches their expectations.

“Everton see Rigg as a long-term investment but will wait to see how he handles the step up before committing to a deal,” a Goodison Park source told Team Talk.

By taking this patient approach, Everton hope to avoid overpaying while still keeping themselves firmly in the race should Sunderland’s stance soften or Rigg indicate he is ready for the next step in his career.

Why Everton Like Rigg

The teenager has been a standout for Sunderland, showing maturity beyond his years with his composure on the ball, vision, and positional awareness. His performances in the Championship last season convinced Everton’s recruitment team that he has the potential to adapt quickly to top-flight football.

However, the club’s current transfer priorities — and the sizeable fee Sunderland are demanding — mean a move is unlikely to happen immediately. The Toffees would prefer to see Rigg tested at Premier League level, whether with Sunderland or elsewhere, before committing significant funds.

Chris Rigg — 2024/25 Championship Stats

Stat (2024/25)	Chris Rigg
Appearances	34
Goals	5
Assists	6
Pass Accuracy	85%
Tackles Won p/90	2.1

Analyst Verdict

Rigg is the kind of signing Everton’s fanbase has long called for — young, talented, and with high resale potential. His ceiling is considerable, but the price Sunderland are quoting reflects both his potential and their reluctance to lose him. For Everton, the dilemma is clear: pay now to secure a rare English midfield prospect before his value rises further, or wait and risk being outbid once he proves himself in the Premier League. Given the financial gap, patience might be the sensible option, though that could come at the cost of missing out entirely.

Key Insights

Everton value Chris Rigg at £15m, Sunderland want £40m.
The 18-year-old has two years left on his deal at the Stadium of Light.
Everton are willing to wait to see him play in the Premier League.
Rigg has impressed scouts with his maturity and technical quality.
The Toffees’ decision could hinge on their transfer budget and priorities.

What’s Next

Everton will continue to scout Rigg closely throughout the season. Any formal bid is likely to come only if Sunderland show willingness to lower their valuation or if competition from other Premier League clubs forces their hand. For Sunderland, keeping hold of Rigg for at least another year would help both their squad stability and the player’s development.

Should Everton pay a premium now for Rigg — or wait and risk losing him to a rival?

Everton eye Sunderland’s Chris Rigg but £25m valuation gap stalls talks