Sunderland’s position on the future of Callum Styles has been revealed.
Sunderland attempted to sign Callum Styles early in the January transfer window, but were forced to postpone their interest due to the midfielder’s need for appendix surgery.
However, the Black Cats revived the move on deadline day and eventually signed him on a loan deal with the option to make it permanent this summer.
Styles was anticipated to come in as a midfielder, with Corry Evans still out for months.
However, due to the injuries of Niall Huggins, Aji Alese, and Dennis Cirkin, the 24-year-old was forced to play both left-back and left wingback.
Styles had a horrible start in the loss to Swansea City and has mainly struggled in a back-four, but recent games against West Brom and Leeds United have seen him put in some’superb’ performances as part of a back five.
The Barnsley player has started seven games since regaining full fitness, but is yet to start in his regular midfield position.
Will Sunderland sign Callum Styles permanently?
With only three games remaining, the Black Cats will need to decide whether to sign Callum Styles permanently.
According to Chronicle Live, Sunderland’s ‘long-standing interest’ in Styles means a trade ‘may certainly’ be finalized this summer.
According to the source, Kristjaan Speakman was eager to sign Styles because of his versatility, having played in midfield at international level and being able to provide cover in defence in an injury-prone region of the pitch.
Despite only begun to impress in recent weeks, Sunderland may now try to keep him beyond the summer window.
Barnsley could be promoted to the Championship via the play-offs this season, but Styles would undoubtedly prefer to compete for a place in the Premier League with Sunderland instead.
Despite only begun to impress in recent weeks, Sunderland may now try to keep him beyond the summer window.
Barnsley could be promoted to the Championship via the play-offs this season, but Styles would undoubtedly prefer to compete for a place in the Premier League with Sunderland instead.
Will he be a regular or a back-up next season?
While the Hungary international might provide excellent coverage across the pitch, I doubt he will be a first-team regular next season.
While he has improved significantly in recent games, he is still not on par with guys like Dennis Cirkin or Dan Neil.
I expect Aji Alese and Cirkin to battle it out for the left-back spot next season, while Neil and Chris Rigg will have two midfield slots locked down. Jobe Bellingham is likely to be the third, but we might also add another defensive midfielder.
I wouldn’t mind if we signed Styles, and I still believe he deserves a fair chance to impress in the middle of the park, but I wouldn’t be delighted about his permanent arrival.
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