An update has emerged regarding Sunderland‘s attempts to bolster their squad on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
According to The Mirror’s John Cross, the Black Cats are among a number of clubs keen on a swoop to sign Callum Styles before 11pm.
The Wearsiders appear to be battling a host of other teams from the Championship, including their former manager Alex Neil at Sroke.
Cross tweeted: “One from the EFL… Barnsley’s Callum Styles, the Bury-born midfielder who played for Hungary against England, is one to watch with Stoke, Sunderland, Hull and Millwall among those interested.”
Imagine him & Jack Clarke
Competition for places often helps players to thrive, as it prevents them from becoming complacent. They know that they have another talent breathing down their neck and waiting to grasp their opportunity in the team, which is why having squad depth is so important.
By signing Styles, Sunderland could have a welcome selection headache over who to play in the left wing-back position.
Would Styles be a good signing?
Jack Clarke has been deployed in that role throughout the season so far and has had a phenomenal start to the campaign. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.40 in seven appearances, scoring two goals and setting up three – creating three ‘big chances’ in total – whilst making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per appearance.
This comes after he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.97 in League One last term, scoring once and setting up three goals in 20 outings.
Styles, who can also play in midfield, has averaged a score of 6.95 in the third tier so far this season for Barnsley whilst playing at left wing-back, which shows that he suits the current formation at Sunderland.
The 22-year-old, who was once described as a “massive talent” by team-mate Cauley Woodrow, has one goal and one assist in five games, whilst making 3.2 tackles and interceptions per match.
The Hungary international played 102 Championship matches between 2019/20 and 2021/22 for Barnsley, which shows that he is a vastly experienced player at this level and has what it takes to play regularly in spite of his age.
Imagine Sunderland having Styles (22) and Clarke (21) competing for a place in the team on the left flank.
They are both young, talented prospects who have shown that they can have an impact in the final third whilst also making defensive contributions to help out the team, and Tony Mowbray could have fun watching them battle it out for a starting spot if they can bring in the Barnsley man this evening.
