Sunderland have £17.4m summer priority after what happened in goalless draw vs Brighton
Sunderland fared well without their African players away to Brighton at the weekend.
Sunderland picked up a valuable point away to Brighton on Saturday, in a game that the Black Cats probably felt as though they should have taken more from.
However, as a newly-promoted team without five key players due to AFCON, a point away to any side cannot be overlooked, and that is the general consensus from those back on Wearside.
With that said, there were several talking points that emerged from the clash at the Amex, and one of them is in regard to a clear decision that must be made in the summer.
Sunderland can’t let bargain transfer slip through their fingers
Noah Sadiki has been a star for Sunderland this season, and his call-up to the DR Congo squad was seen as a major blow, and it still is.
However, fears have somewhat been subdued after Lutsharel Geertruida featured in a midfield role, and certainly thrived.
The Netherlands international commanded the middle of the park, was tidy on the ball, and added even more physicality to the midfield.
Geertruida‘s versatility has already been tested on several occasions this season, and each time he has passed the test with flying colours.
Sunderland have the ability to sign him permanently for £17.4million in the summer, after an agreement was reached when his loan deal was negotiated.
Given his performances when he has featured, the Black Cats would be silly not to take up that deal, given the fact that he is probably worth at least double.
Sunderland will have other priorities in January
That deal for Geertruida can wait until the summer, with the Black Cats in need of adding quality in the forward areas in January.
Only a handful of teams have scored fewer goals than Sunderland this season, which will become a concern the longer the campaign goes on.
Sunderland have already been linked with several midfielders, but Geertruida’s performances could change that, with a top-quality winger needed in the coming weeks.
If the Mackems can address that one concern, there is every chance they can compete for a spot in Europe next season.
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