Sunderland ‘braced for summer transfer interest’ after official announcement
Sunderland will be wary of the impact that missing out on promotion could have on them come the summer transfer window.
Heading into a home clash against Cardiff City, Sunderland will be well aware of the need for another win, though it has been those types of teams that the Black Cats have typically struggled against.
Defeats to the likes of Plymouth and Hull City will be looked back on as the main missed opportunities if the Mackems do miss out on a Premier League return.
However, as things stand, Sunderland still have every chance of achieving that, and the need to do so may have just been amplified by a recent announcement made via their social channels.
Sunderland duo earn regional acknowledgment
Ever since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus took control of the club, the focus for Sunderland has been on promoting and developing youth, which has been the main driving force behind their successes so far this season.
The two names that immediately spring to mind in that regard are Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, the two winners of the North East Football Writer’s Association’s Young Players of the Year award, as confirmed via Sunderland’s official X account (3 March).
Pipping the likes of Lewis Miley to the award, the duo are fully deserving of the award, though it could serve as somewhat of a concern heading into the final months of the campaign.
| Sunderland 24/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Jobe | 31 | 4 | 3 |
| Chris Rigg | 31 | 4 | 1 |
Interest in the Sunderland duo is already remarkably high, and the fact they have received even more attention for their performances will do nothing but increase that interest heading into the summer.
Of course, if Sunderland get promoted, there will be little to worry about. Otherwise, their task of keeping hold of the duo may have just gotten significantly more challenging.
Regis Le Bris must lead Sunderland to promotion
Given how well the campaign has panned out so far, it would not only be disappointing to miss out on promotion but also potentially disastrous.
While Rigg and Jobe may be in the spotlight given their age, the Wearsiders have a whole host of talented players that could also be picked up by Premier League clubs if they fail to make it back into the top flight.
With 11 games to go, Regis Le Bris’ side have every chance of avoiding that, though they will need to find a way to secure victory against teams who have a reputation of getting bodies behind the ball.