Sunderland have been given renewed hope in their pursuit to bring Manchester United winger Amad Diallo back to the Stadium of Light, according to Football Insider.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed earlier this week that the Black Cats had been in dialogue with the Premier League giants regarding a second loan spell for the Ivory Coast international, although Erik ten Hag was keen to keep the attacker at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old only made his first appearance of the season in late December after recovering from a serious knee injury which he suffered during pre-season. His return to fitness had alerted a host of clubs, with Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as Championship promotion-chasers Leicester City, Southampton and Middlesbrough.
Amad was a huge hit at the Wearsiders last season, hitting 13 goals in 37 Championship appearances and winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award. The youngster has always maintained that he would not be willing to join another second tier club due to his good relationship with Sunderland, although would be willing to return to the North East if circumstances allowed:
“In the transfer window, there’s loads of things that are never going to happen that happen, and there’s loads of things that don’t happen that you think might happen.” Speakman told reporters. “That’s just the market we live in. The situation with Amad is really clear.
“We’ve got a really positive relationship with the boy and his people, we’ve got a really positive relationship with Manchester United and I think everyone was really delighted on all sides with what happened last season. Do we think he’s a player that could come and improve our team? Yes. Have we inquired about him? Yes. Have we kept in contact? Of course we have.
“If we hadn’t kept in contact about him, my head might be on a stake at the beach. That’s where it’s at. If that picture changes in any shape or form, then we’ll be on it and we’ll understand where it sits. That doesn’t mean that even if he became available we would get him though, because as I’ve said on numerous occasions, I think he’s a tier one player so he’s probably going to be play in one of the top leagues somewhere.”
Manchester United have struggled this season, particularly in attacking areas. With Jadon Sancho having joined Borussia Dortmund on loan, Facundo Pellistri tipped for a temporary move of his own and Antony’s form questionable, Amad looks like the perfect person to challenge for a starting berth. However, Alejandro Garnacho’s recent switch to the right wing could hamper his chances and it is claimed that he could be allowed to re-join Sunderland this month.
Football Insider state that the Red Devils are willing to sanction the move, but only if a deal can be agreed on a 50-50 wage split. Sunderland are heading the table and talks are said to be continuing.
Michael Beale eased the pressure on his position yesterday with a 3-1 win over Stoke City, a result which sent them back up to seventh. They face a tough task next weekend when they take on neighbours Middlesbrough at the Riverside.
Writer’s View
Amad is desperate to take his chance at Manchester United and surely his preference would be to try and break into the team this season. With the club struggling for form, there is an argument to suggest that he should be afforded that opportunity, although the 20-time English champions are keen to nurture his development.
If the 21-year-old will get more minutes at Sunderland – a club in which he is well-liked and will play regularly – it could be the ideal scenario for all involved. His injury troubles this season have hindered his progress, and he would be virtually guaranteed to start at the Stadium of Light.
