Recent reports have suggested that Sunderland are closing in on a move for highly-rated Morecambe defender Connor Pye, with the Black Cats said to have ‘agreed a deal’ to bring the 18-year-old to the Stadium of Light this summer.
The promising full-back had been made ‘available for transfer’ by the Shrimps, along with a host of other names, with manager Derek Adams suggesting that budget restrictions had forced them into sanctioning his exit.
The young Englishman – who only signed his first professional contract back in January – has made just a solitary appearance for the League One outing thus far, with the suggestion being that he will be a player for the future were he to join the northeast side.
The indication is that it will be a bright future for the emerging left-back, however, having previously been the subject of interest from Premier League outfit Everton, such is his exciting potential.
While not likely to be a player who makes an instant impact on manager Alex Neil’s first-team set-up, the signs are that Pye will be a figure to keep an eye on as the years progress, having even been likened to Liverpool sensation, Andy Robertson, due to his ‘energetic playing style’.
Have Sunderland had a successful window so far?
That is glowing praise indeed such is the talent of the Scotland skipper, with Robertson having arguably blossomed into the “best left-back in the world” – according to pundit Kevin Phillips – due to his stunning displays at Anfield.
Plucked from relegated outfit Hull City back in 2017 by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, the 28-year-old has since enjoyed a meteoric rise to becoming a crucial figure in the German’s setup, notably winning the league title and the Champions League in recent years.
A potent attacking threat, the one-time Dundee United man notably ranks second in Premier League history with regards to assists made by a defender, with only one-time Toffees man Leighton Baines (53) having provided more goals than his tally of 49 assists.
Having a Robertson-esque figure in his side would no doubt be a notable coup for Neil, with the former Preston North End boss currently having just Dennis Cirkin to call upon as a genuine left-sided option.
Equally, Pye’s ability to feature both in midfield and full-back should make him a suitable candidate to slot into the manager’s preferred back three formation as a wing-back.
As the Liverpool man’s remarkable story indicates – having risen up from the lower leagues of Scottish football to becoming an invaluable asset on Merseyside – a gem can emerge from anywhere, with the Morecambe prodigy potentially set to be the next big thing.
