‘Sunderland already have Tommy Watson replacement’ as contract update emerges
Sunderland will be thinking up ways to replace Tommy Watson’s spot in the squad following his departure from the Stadium of Light.
Watson, 19, has moved to Brighton & Hove Albion for £10million, a huge fee considering the Englishman only played five minutes of senior football before the 2024/25 season.
The winger had a breakthrough campaign as Sunderland won promotion back to the Premier League, scoring three goals in 21 Championship appearances, including the winner at Wembley in the play-off final against Sheffield United.
Amid a major squad restructuring following the departures of both Watson and Jobe Bellingham, the Black Cats are looking to replace their academy graduate.
Their answer, however, may be found from within the club already.
Sunderland could replace Watson with Tymur Tutierov
Sunderland have a reputation for promoting from within and the Black Cats are set to lock down another emerging talent to a new deal.
Tymur Tutierov is set to sign a new two-year contract at the Stadium of Light after a breakthrough campaign with the Under-21 side.
The Ukrainian arrived in the North East in April 2023 on a free transfer from Kolos Kovalivka.
Tutierov, 20, was named as an unused substitute in Sunderland’s 3-1 victory at Portsmouth in August, but has since been left to develop in the U21s, improving as the season went on.
Tutierov can step up to senior squad after Watson’s departure
Sunderland‘s recent record with academy graduates has been unbelievable.
The Black Cats have seen the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, and Chris Rigg shine in the first team after graduating from the academy.
Tutierov could become the next great prospect if given a chance.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League 2 | 21 | 5 | 3 |
| Premier League Cup | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| PL2 Play-offs | 4 | 0 | 0 |
The Ukrainian youngster has improved as his game time has increased, registering 1,105 minutes this season in 16 appearances, which included 12 starts, the most he has had in his time in England.
Sunderland will likely want to see an increase in Tutierov’s output in 2025/26 before giving him a chance in the senior team, but his potential could see him take on an even bigger role than Watson had at the Stadium of Light, if given the playing time.