With a recent flurry of interest emerging for some of the promising talents at Sunderland, Premier League clubs can expect a strong resolve from the Black Cats as they look to demand huge sums of money for their assets.
Interim head coach Mike Dodds is adamant that the North East side will not be walked over by those in the top flight. With a growing list of players being linked away, however, the chances of ending the summer without seeing some key departures look less likely day by day. Worryingly, Liverpool have turned their attention to shot-stopper Anthony Patterson following growing pessimism that Caiomhin Kelleher will remain content enough with a number two role at Anfield.
Lazio have already shown heavy interest in Sunderland’s star Jack Clarke with two bids being rejected in January, and it looks inevitable that this European and Premier League attention won’t go away anytime soon. The Italian giants certainly haven’t stopped pursuing the Championship club either, with a recent enquiry into a potential deal for Jobe Bellingham.
Speaking to the Northern Echo, Dodds addressed the concerns of the overwhelming amount of interest this summer, and more importantly, the club’s firm stance in the transfer window:
“It’s got to be right for the football club and all those players are under contract. I don’t know the exact ins and outs because my focus is on the grass, but they have lengthy contracts and so the club are in a strong position.
It’s really clear that if anyone wants to come and take a Sunderland player then they’re going to have to pay the premium because, whoever it is, you’re talking about a young player who has already done well but still has the potential to develop further.
You’re also talking about a player with time on their contract so when you put those three things together, it’s clear that you would have to pay a premium.”
Writer’s view
This defiance of Premier League interest is brave and reasonably smart. Sunderland fans will be delighted to hear that they may only lose some of their key players if the price is more than right. If the Black Cats’ backroom staff can maintain this level of demand against European giants, they could well see some huge profits enter the club.
This summer could also be the perfect season to rebuild, with Clarke, Patterson, and Dan Ballard facing tempting dilemmas, the big money accumulated from their potential departures could fund some major improvements to the squad as a whole – ready for a play-off challenge.
