Kristjaan Speakman’s best and worst Sunderland signings including £1.5M star
Kristjaan Speakman unearthed a lot of talent throughout his time at Sunderland.
Sunderland announced Speakman‘s exit from the Stadium of Light on Friday with immediate effect, with supporters shocked by the news.
It leaves Florent Ghisolfi in full control of recruitment going forward, having assumed that responsibility since he joined the club in July.
However, the Black Cats wouldn’t be where they are without Speakman’s influence all the way back in their League One days.
So with that in mind, Mackem News takes a look at some of the best and worst signings made by him.
Read more: Florent Ghisolfi magic showcased again by latest Sunderland transfer reveal
Trai Hume and Jobe Bellingham feature in list of best Sunderland signings
When Speakman arrived at Sunderland in 2020, the days of signing players with little ambition but high wages came to an end.
Instead, the Black Cats brought in lots of young talent, many of whom were sold for plenty of profit.
Jobe Bellingham is at the very top of that list, having joined from Birmingham in a deal that was rumoured to have cost just £1.5million.
Two years later, he was sold for around £30m, which has been the theme for several players over the last six years.
Trai Hume, who is still playing regularly in the Premier League today, was signed from Linfield for just £200,000, with other bargain signings such as the likes of Eliezer Mayenda, Dennis Cirkin and Patrick Roberts, who all played a crucial role in getting Sunderland back to the top flight.
Dan Ballard is another who is still playing today, and thriving at that, having been signed in the Championship from Arsenal.
But it also can’t be forgotten how Speakman played his part in encouraging Amad and Enzo Le Fee to join a Championship side on loan.
- Read more: ‘Truly humbling’ – Kristjaan Speakman shares heartfelt statement as shock Sunderland exit announced
Not every Speakman signing was a success for Sunderland
Throughout his time in charge of recruitment at Sunderland, there were certainly many more hits than there were misses, though there were a few of the latter.
Names such as Jake Vokins, Jordan Jones and Jermain Defoe spring to mind in that regard.
Vokins was added as depth, but injuries prevented him from making more than four appearances, while Defoe was a January addition in 2022, but retired after just seven games.
However, what’s quite vital to note is that the majority of the signings that would be deemed as failed ones were throughout his early spell in his time here.
Recruitment only improved from there, and played a key role in why the Wearsiders are now not just back in the Premier League, but competing in it.
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