Sunderland’s first big profile departure under the new recruitment process was Ross Stewart.
Ross Stewart’s departure putting an end to an unwelcome transfer drama. Will he commit or will he walk away?
Finally, it was the latter. Sunderland suffered a devastating blow in losing one of, if not the, finest attackers in the division to a promotion competitor, but it was not the end of the world.
Tony Mowbray is an experienced manager with the tactical nous to make the most of what he has at his disposal. If you asked any adherent of a red and white faith if they would have preferred Stewart to stay, the answer would have been yes.
The thought of meeting Southampton only days after losing their star striker to the Saints, and one of the division’s early title favourites, couldn’t have been more intimidating. Instead, Mowbray’s players produced their most brilliant performances of the season so far, despite the absence of a noted striker.
Jacks ratings on the teams standout so far this season
Of course, the lack of a true front man has been a continuing issue for Sunderland’s recruitment squad for at least the last three seasons, and they are still lacking in that department. However, Sunderland’s attacking options’ dynamism and diversity have mitigated Stewart’s loss, at least in the near term.
Jack Clarke has scored six goals in five games for the Black Cats in September, so it’s no wonder that Burnley and Brentford have been linked with a move for the winger. After rejecting bids in the summer, you’d expect Sunderland to stick to their ‘not for sale’ approach, but they’d be reasonably open to talks if a deal exceeded their valuation.
Every player, as they say, has a cost. Nonetheless, Clarke’s departure would be more painful in the short term than Stewart’s departure has been thus far.
After all, the Scottish international hasn’t played since January, whereas Clarke has been a constant. A sum in the region of £20 million, as indicated by some supporters on social media, would be enormous for the club to reinvest back into the playing squad while also demonstrating that their recruitment plan is truly working.
Burnley now eyeing another Sunderland man after failed pursuit of Jack Clarke – Sports Illustrated Sunderland Nation
Kristjaan Speakman and company are not without criticism, but it’s difficult to dispute with the club’s current path. Because of the shift in attitude toward the Under-21s, a lot of young players have benefited from more game time in the English game.
Last season, Jewison Bennette, Pierre Ekwah, and Edouard Michut all played for the reserves before breaking into the first team. However, another summer signing from last season may be the ideal alternative for Clarke if he leaves. If you think back to this time last season, Abdoullah Ba was primarily playing for the Under-21s as he tried to adjust to life in England. He is now one of Sunderland’s best performances, at least for the month of September.
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