Sunderland in hunt for European football, but is it a good thing?
Sunderland could find themselves qualifying for European football on their return to the Premier League.
And if that doesn’t demonstrate just how impressive this season has been, then nothing ever will.
Even through AFCON and a fairly severe injury crisis, the Black Cats remain in contention for a top-seven finish in the Premier League, which would get them into Europe.
The prospect of that is exciting. European away days are what fans of all clubs outside of the big six dream of, and Sunderland are within touching distance ahead of the final seven games of the season.
But would it be a good thing for Sunderland? And how would it impact their domestic campaign?
Summer recruitment would need to be huge
Given how many injuries the Black Cats have had over the last few months, their drop in form is understandable.
However, what it did do was expose the lack of depth in the squad, and in several areas too.
| Premier League | Points |
| 1. Arsenal | 70 |
| 2. Man City | 61 |
| 3. Man UTD | 55 |
| 4. Aston Villa | 54 |
| 5. Liverpool | 49 |
| 6. Chelsea | 48 |
| 7. Brentford | 46 |
| *11. Sunderland | 43 |
If Sunderland were to qualify for Europe, this summer would require yet another huge recruitment plan, which would see at least two players fighting for a starting role across each position.
The Wearsiders would require one, maybe two more centre-backs, while also needing an injection of quality in the forward areas, which has been their weakest part this season.
With that said, the prospect of European football would make their recruitment plans signficantly easier given the project they would be able to offer to players.
Read more: Mike Penders linked with Sunderland switch: How does he compare to Robin Roefs?
The downside of European football
We’ve seen it with Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Tottenham this season, just how hard it can be to juggle several commitments at the same time.
Two of those three remain at risk of relegation, while Palace have been rather underwhelming in the Premier League.
And that would be the side effect that Sunderland would have to consider if they were to end the campaign strongly and finish in one of the qualification spots.
Overall, European football would be a huge boost for Sunderland, but only if they attack it with the right plans behind it.