Tottenham submit ‘crazy’ offer for Sunderland gem Chris Rigg
Tottenham have submitted an offer to sign Chris Rigg, although the fee involved has been described as “crazy” by a former scout.
Spurs have done some good business when it comes to signing young players in recent seasons.
Archie Gray is already thought to be worth £50million after the 19-year-old joined Tottenham from Leeds United in the summer.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall has established himself as a first-team regular in North London following his move to Tottenham which left Barcelona fuming.
And Spurs appear to have a couple more teenagers in their sights in the form of Rigg and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
Daniel Levy will no doubt be put off by the Saints’ £100million asking price for Dibling. However, while he won’t cost anywhere near as much as £100m, it looks as though Rigg won’t come cheap either.
Tottenham make big money offer for Rigg
As reported by Fichajes (23 March), Tottenham have made a £38million offer for Rigg.
Several Premier League clubs are interested in the Sunderland sensation, with Spurs currently leading the way for his signature after making an offer which reflects their ambition to sign the player.
However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – thinks £38m is too much money to pay upfront for a 17-year-old.
“I think these kinds of fees are crazy,” King said.
“If you’re going to sign a young player, these fees should be built in through add-on clauses, which means that if the player produces what you’re expecting him to produce, then you pay the money.
| Sunderland 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Chris Rigg | 36 | 4 | 1 |
“However, to go out and pay £38m for a 17-year-old, for me, that is risky. This is a growing period for the player, not just physically, but mentally too. He might not react well to a change of environment, there are a lot of factors at play here.
“What Tottenham should be doing is producing their own young talent. They seem to be linked with a young player from a different club every other week. I understand why those clubs want to be compensated, they’ve done the hard work with those young players.
“However, the kind of fees that are being brandished for these teenagers, it just goes to show that television money is completely running football.”
Tottenham should not pay £38m for Rigg
Rigg is no doubt a talented player with plenty of potential, and Spurs could benefit from his arrival.
However, £38m is a lot of money to pay for a teenager with limited experience, especially when the club already have so many young players in their ranks.
That money could instead be put toward a big-name signing who would be ready to make an impact right away at Tottenham.