Sunderland to complete the signing of 23-year-old midfielder

According to information from Alan Nixon’s Patreon, Sunderland is poised to secure the services of Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles on an initial loan deal, including an option to purchase. Sunderland currently occupies the 7th position in the Championship standings, just shy of the playoff zone, under the management of Michael Beale, aiming for consecutive top-six finishes this season.

Meanwhile, Barnsley finds themselves in 5th place in the League One table, with Neill Collins’ team closely contending for automatic promotion. Similar to Sunderland, they harbor aspirations of advancing to a higher division.

Styles, aged 23, has participated in 20 League One matches this campaign, contributing three goals and two assists from midfield. Notably versatile, he can operate centrally, out wide, or even fill in defensively, including at full-back.

Initial interest from Sunderland arose earlier in the month, but after the acquisition of Leo Hjelde, it appeared that a move for Styles was off the table. However, recent reports from Nixon, supported by Phil Smith and Keith Downie, suggest that a deal is likely to be finalized before the transfer deadline, with Styles expressing eagerness for the transfer. While the move seems imminent, the unpredictable nature of deadline day leaves room for potential developments.

 

A chance to prove himself

Styles has previously played in the Championship, with the Tykes and Millwall. He has appeared in more than 125 Championship games, scoring nine goals and assisting six.

Despite his youthful age, he has a lot of experience for a 23-year-old, and this is a signing that fits the Sunderland model.

The initial loan arrangement allows him to prove to the Sunderland management and Beale that he is good enough, with the option to buy in the summer, and it will be up to the Black Cats to decide whether to make him a permanent signing.

Sunderland are preparing for a busy deadline day, with Alex Pritchard already going for Birmingham City.

The Wearsiders will travel to rivals Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.