Chris Rigg reacts as Tommy Watson issues emotional Sunderland AFC exit message

Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg has reacted to a message from Tommy Watson following the confirmation of his switch to Brighton and Hove Albion, with the Premier League-bound attacker underlining his commitment to the remainder of the campaign.

Watson’s message comes after Sunderland agreed a deal to sell the young winger to Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit for a fee which could, according to reports, eventually rise in excess of £10 million, while the Black Cats have also secured a 20% sell-on clause from any future sale.

It has concluded an extensive transfer saga, which saw Brighton try to sign Watson in each of the previous two transfer windows.

However, Sunderland were fearful of losing Watson, who had just 18 months left on his contract, for a significantly discounted price of for nothing altogether, and with the prospect of renewal deemed unlikely, the promotion hopefuls have decided to broker a deal which means they will retain the teenager until the end of the season before he heads down south.

Watson has enjoyed a first-team breakthrough under Regis Le Bris, making 14 appearances and scoring twice.

The 18-year-old has missed a fair chunk of the season through injury but will be looking to play his part in Sunderland’s final seven matches ahead of the play-offs.

Tommy Watson’s message to Sunderland AFC supporters following Brighton switch

Watson has addressed Sunderland supporters in the wake of his switch to Brighton.

The Academy of Light graduate thanked the Black Cats faithful for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to helping the side in the end-of-season run-in before joining Hurzeler’s squad ahead of 2025/26.

Sunderland are pretty much guaranteed to finish the season inside the play-offs, and Watson is looking forward to the seven “huge games” remaining of the regular campaign.