Sunderland could sign a dream Huggins replacement who has 2 assists vs Real Madrid

Sunderland will hope that a crushing defeat in the Tyne-Wear Derby does not derail their Championship campaign. Michael Beale’s side had gone unbeaten in their last three league games before being dealt a reality check by their arch-rivals Newcastle United in the FA Cup.

Sunderland’s full-backs let them down big time in the 3-0 loss to the Magpies, particularly down the left side of the Stadium of Light turf, with Aji Alese looking uncomfortable and tense, resulting in the stand-in defender giving up possession 15 times and winning only one duel in the game.

With Niall Huggins out for the rest of the season and Dennis Cirkin suffering a setback in his injury recovery, the priority for the Black Cats this month should be to sign a new left-back, and Beale appears to have found his man, according to sources.

Sunderland interested in signing Bogdan Mykhaylichenko

 

Sunderland are allegedly interested in adding another Ukrainian to their ranks this month in the form of Bogdan Mykaylichenko, who would join compatriot Nazariy Rusyn on Wearside if a transfer is completed.

According to Croatian publication Rijeka Danas, Mykhaylichenko’s current contract with the Croat giants may be canceled since the full-back used his phone in the dressing room following a recent Zagreb defeat.

According to Sport Witness, Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas has thrown gasoline to the fire by reporting that Sunderland are keen on adding the 26-year-old to their team in order to increase their left-back numbers.

The controversial defender has divided opinion in Croatia, but based on his Anderlecht and Shakthar days prior to his move to Zagreb, Mykhaylichenko would be a wise and worthwhile addition to help Trai Hume on the opposite flank with creativity and flair, as well as fill in for Huggins competently.

Mykhaylichenko’s style of play

Mykhaylichenko’s manager Sergej Jakirović has criticized his attitude at the club, but Beale and Sunderland can provide him with an opportunity to let his game speak for itself again.

The 26-year-old has a pedigree that the Black Cats would love to have in their team, having provided two assists in the Champions League for Shakhtar in back-to-back games against Real Madrid in 2022.

 

 

 

Mykhaylichenko vs Real Madrid: UCL – 11/10/22
Minutes Played	90
Assists	1
Touches	65
Accurate Passes	37/45 (82%)
Cross Success	100%
Clearances	5
Tackles	3
Aerial Duels Won	1/1
Ground Duels Won	3/5
Stats via Sofascore.

Mykhaylichenko has 16 assists from the left-back position in his whole career, and he also boasts eight goals to his record.

In his brief appearances for Zagreb this season, the current number 15 has demonstrated his ability to set his teammates to score, recording two assists in the UEFA Europa Conference League against FC Astana in September last year, despite only being on the pitch for 10 minutes.

The wanted full-back could ideally compliment Sunderland’s style and step in for Huggins, providing Beale’s players with even more drive and energy down the wings, alongside Jack Clarke’s energetic exploits on his same flank and Hume on the opposite channel.

The Northern Irishman’s tenacity has been critical for the second-tier playoff contenders this season, with FBRef describing him as a hot-headed and aggressive character who won 3.06 tackles per 90 minutes on average over the previous year.

It was clear in one skirmish with Newcastle midfielder Anthony Gordon in the Tyne-Wear Derby that Beale wanted more emotion from his team and more wins as a result in order to maintain a playoff berth.

Mykhaylichenko’s probable move to the club appears to be a win-win situation, with no risk because it is a free transfer, and it might provide Sunderland with yet another attacking outlet to overwhelm Championship defences on their route to promotion.

It would also ease the shock of Huggins being in the treatment room for the foreseeable future, giving Beale fewer selection headaches later on.