Gus Poyet, former Sunderland manager, has advised his old team to remain steadfast in their talks for rising stars Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg in the upcoming January transfer window.
Bellingham and Rigg have been impressive at the Stadium of Light, attracting attention from various clubs due to their standout performances. Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Rigg, while Bellingham has caught the eye of Premier League teams, including Crystal Palace.
Despite the growing interest in the talented duo, Poyet believes that retaining them will be crucial for Sunderland’s chances of returning to the Premier League by the end of the season. He emphasizes the importance of rejecting any advances and holding onto the young talents.
Poyet raises a warning flag to Sunderland regarding the escalating interest in Rigg and Bellingham, who have been instrumental in the team’s strong start to the 24/25 season. Rigg has been lauded for his standout performances in midfield, showcasing his attacking capabilities with goals against Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
Bellingham’s energetic displays have been vital in driving the team forward, providing momentum for Sunderland. Poyet stresses the need for Sunderland to retain these talented players to bolster their promotion aspirations.
As Sunderland continues to perform well in the Championship, Poyet acknowledges the impact of the January transfer window on their promotion hopes. The team’s success so far under Regis Le Bris highlights the importance of holding onto key players like Rigg and Bellingham, especially with the need for a consistent goal-scoring striker.
Looking ahead, Poyet emphasizes the significance of the upcoming transfer window for Sunderland and the need to maintain their strong squad to sustain their promotion push in the second half of the season. Keeping hold of key players will be essential in ensuring the team’s success and potential return to the Premier League.
