Sunderland have recently ramped up their pursuit of Clermont Foot midfielder Habib Keita, as they seek to reinforce their midfield options in preparation for a return to the Premier League. The 23-year-old Malian player made a significant impact in Ligue 2 last season, featuring in 30 matches and contributing one goal and four assists to his team’s success.
Renowned for his versatility, technical skills, and strong work ethic, Keita has emerged as a highly coveted player in the French second division. While previous reports linked him to clubs like QPR, Stoke City, and Crystal Palace, Sunderland has now shown a keen interest and is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the midfielder.
Simultaneously, the Black Cats find themselves in a battle to retain the services of their promising young talent, Chris Rigg. Recent rumors suggest that Serie A outfit Lazio has entered the race to secure the 17-year-old’s signature, adding to the mounting interest from various top European clubs. Despite such competition, Sunderland remains steadfast in their efforts to keep Rigg, assigning a substantial valuation of £35 million to the talented midfielder.
Despite the growing speculation and interest in Rigg, Sunderland is resolute in their stance not to part ways with the rising star during this transfer window. In fact, there are talks of renegotiating the player’s contract to secure his long-term commitment to the club. Known for their strategic approach in the transfer market, the Black Cats are expected to stand firm against any potential advances for one of their prized assets.
Over the years, Sunderland has held firm to their principles, opting for a selective approach when it comes to player departures during the summer transfer windows. Evidently, their strategy has traditionally allowed for only a few high-profile exits annually, rather than a complete overhaul of the squad. With the departure of players like Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson already finalized, the club aims to maintain stability by retaining the services of pivotal figures like Chris Rigg.
In light of these developments, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman’s reputation for astute dealings in the transfer market further solidifies Sunderland’s resolve to resist any potential pressure or temptations. As Sunderland’s journey back to the Premier League gathers momentum, the retention of key talents such as Rigg is crucial in their quest for success at the top level of English football.
