Sunderland came close to signing Ukrainian defender Roman Didyk back in 2022, but an untimely injury derailed the transfer.
Since then, the 22-year-old has developed into one of the most promising young players in Ukrainian football, and his form might leave the Black Cats questioning what could have been.
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What Went Wrong?
According to Mykhailo Spivakovskyi, speaking on Ta To Take, Didyk trialled with Sunderland while playing for Rukh Lviv and made a strong impression. However, an injury during the trial prevented him from training fully, and the transfer ultimately fell through. Alex Neil, Sunderland’s manager at the time, was reportedly keen on the player, but circumstances outside of Didyk’s control scuppered the deal.
“According to my information, Roman Didyk is the only Rukh player who was on trial in England. In 2022, he went to Sunderland and made a good impression there. Then he had an injury that prevented him from training fully, and that’s why the potential transfer didn’t take place.”
Since then, Didyk has been a consistent performer for Rukh Lviv. Over the past three seasons, he has established himself as a key player, missing only a handful of games, most due to suspensions. His leadership qualities have also come to the fore, with the centre-back captaining his side on occasion.
Didyk’s Current Form
This season, Didyk has made 14 appearances, amassing 1,213 minutes on the pitch, scoring once and assisting twice. He has been instrumental in helping Rukh Lviv keep eight clean sheets, demonstrating his defensive reliability and maturity beyond his years.
As a regular starter and occasional captain, Didyk has shown he has the resilience and tactical intelligence to excel at higher levels. His continued growth could soon see him break into Ukraine’s senior national team.
Could Sunderland Reignite Their Interest?
Sunderland’s current manager, Régis Le Bris, has prioritised developing young talent, but Didyk’s profile as a commanding and consistent defender might make him an attractive prospect once again. Sunderland’s defensive options could benefit from the composure and leadership qualities Didyk brings.
With Didyk’s stock rising, other English clubs may also be keeping tabs on him. Should Sunderland wish to revisit their interest, they may face stiffer competition—and a higher price tag—than they would have two years ago.
Writer’s View
Roman Didyk’s journey since missing out on a move to Sunderland highlights how a single injury can alter a player’s career trajectory. However, his resilience and continued development speak volumes about his potential. Sunderland’s loss may soon become another club’s gain, and if the Black Cats are serious about bolstering their defence, reviving their interest in Didyk could be a smart move before it’s too late.
