Sunderland already has a potential summer signing lined up.
Sunderland must be active in the summer transfer window after witnessing their 2023/24 season unravel.
Sunderland sacked Michael Beale last month, and the Black Cats are now winless in seven games after drawing 0-0 with QPR in the Championship.
Mike Dodds has yet to win as interim manager, and his chances of securing the permanent position appear to be fading.
So, in addition to signing new players and presumably unloading names like Jack Clarke and others, the Black Cats must also find a new management.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman already making Sunderland plans
Several names are being connected to the Sunderland manager position ahead of the summer.
Will Still is Sunderland’s preferred managerial candidate, but names such as Steve Cooper have also been mentioned, with several more certain to enter the running as the summer approaches.
Callum Styles could be on Sunderland’s summer signing list.
Sunderland signed Styles on loan from Barnsley on deadline day last month, with the option to make his stay permanent.
Barnsley manager Neill Collins has previously regarded Styles as a ‘class’ player.
Callum Styles at Sunderland
Styles hasn’t had a great start at the Stadium of Light.
The 23-year-old has appeared five times in the Championship so far, with an average SofaScore rating of 6.72, placing him 21st in the Sunderland player rankings.
The Hungarian international has failed to score a goal and has only played the full 90 minutes once, against QPR in the most recent game.
So far, Dodds has used Styles in a variety of positions, including both sides of defence and on the right wing against Norwich City.
Dodds has publicly confessed that he does not know what Styles’ optimal position is.
Sunderland transfer strategy coming under criticism
Sunderland’s recent form has drawn attention to their transfer strategy, which heavily leans towards younger players, often sourced from abroad. This approach has underscored a lack of experience within the squad, but the signing of Styles indicates a deeper issue: a lack of coherent planning.
Dodds, having been at the club for some time, might have been aware of Styles’ potential interest, yet his uncertain role within the team suggests that the signing may have been made impulsively.
Speakman’s decision to bring Styles in may have been based on the belief that his versatility would seamlessly integrate into any position. However, this hasn’t materialized thus far.
Despite Styles’ reputation and previous interest from Championship clubs, he hasn’t yet demonstrated his worth to Sunderland. While his ability to play multiple positions is advantageous, he’s currently only serving as a backup player.
Sunderland’s focus should be on acquiring standout talent, particularly with the likelihood of key players departing in the upcoming transfer window. Rather than investing in players like Styles, Speakman should assess the squad thoroughly with relevant stakeholders and reinforce areas accordingly.
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