Kyril Louis Dreyfus’ commitment to prioritizing youth development became evident immediately upon assuming majority ownership of Sunderland in 2022, demonstrated by his decision to sign just one player aged over 22 that summer.
The Black Cats have recently acquired promising talents such as Jewison Bennette, Jobe Bellingham, and Romaine Mundle, while also parting ways with several seasoned players. Presently, the squad comprises only five players aged over 24, reflecting the club’s emphasis on youth.
Sunderland’s transfer strategy has yielded mixed results. While successful in nurturing promising talents into Premier League-caliber players and subsequently profiting from their sales, it has left the team in an intermediate phase. Many players lack the readiness to excel in the Championship, contributing to a string of seven defeats in eight games.
Despite the lack of success from the youthful strikers signed in the summer, Kristjaan Speakman has remained steadfast in his approach. However, the 45-year-old should reconsider his stance and seek a more seasoned and proven player, capable of providing the goal threat exemplified by Ross Stewart. Considering Stewart’s modest acquisition cost and impact, Speakman should explore options in Stewart’s homeland once more, potentially looking about 150 miles south for his replacement.
Wearside has been hearing the name Lawrence Shankland for a while now, and it seems to always come back. He is extremely talented, which is the reason behind it.
Shankland made the move to Hearts from Beerschot in Belgium in 2022, and his performance has been outstanding since then, with 44 goals scored in just 67 appearances in the Scottish Premiership. His overall career record is even more remarkable, with 202 goals and 57 assists in 409 games.
The 28-year-old, hailed as “world-class,” reportedly garnered interest from both Saudi Arabia and the Championship last summer. He was rumored to be available for a fee as low as £3 million plus potential add-ons.
Sunderland can bag a bargain if they aren’t so stubborn
With Shankland set to enter the final year of his contract this summer and indications that he won’t be extending his stay at Hearts, the club may consider selling him to capitalize on his value, particularly after receiving this news in January.
While Sunderland may face stiff competition for Shankland’s signature, the success of Stewart at the Stadium of Light could serve as a beacon of hope for Shankland, especially considering the proximity to Scotland.
Given the scarcity of prolific goal-scoring strikers in the market, Sunderland would be passing up a significant opportunity if they fail to pursue the Scotland international this summer.
Speakman may now realize that sticking rigidly to his transfer policy could lead to mounting pressure from the fanbase, especially considering the lackluster transfer activity over the past year.