Sunderland have enjoyed a strong start to their return to the Championship as they currently sit fifth in the table after five games.
Alex Neil’s side have only lost one of their matches in the second tier so far but the former Norwich and Preston coach has made it clear that he still wants to add to his squad in the summer transfer window.
The Scot recently claimed that he is “confident we’ll get one or two new signings in before the hectic part of the window” and has opened up on the club’s ambitions ahead of next month’s deadline, saying:
“What we’re trying to do is recruit the best players we can, and you always set your sights high – I don’t want to bring guys in who are going to be 17th, 18th, 19th man, I want to bring in guys who are going to be a better second, third, fourth or fifth man because that strengthens my hand on the pitch. But that comes at a premium.
“Not only that, we are in competition with other clubs at the same level who will spend more on those kind of positions than we will. The fact we’ve made a positive start makes it a bit easier [for Sunderland to attract players], and the nature of the club makes it easier.”
These comments suggest that the club may be forced back into the loan market due to the financial strength of other teams in the Championship.
Last week, it was reported that the Black Cats are one of a number of clubs in talks with Manchester United to sign Amad Diallo on loan, and Neil must now push to bring him in.
The £29k-per-week gem could be a fantastic signing as he has the potential to form a dream duo with current star Alex Pritchard.
In the 2022/23 campaign, the former Tottenham attacking midfielder has caught the eye with his creative displays in the number 10 role. He has two assists and has created 2.4 chances per game across five league outings this term – being one of two players in the squad – alongside Jack Clarke – with more than 1.3 key passes per match.
Should Sunderland sign Diallo?
This shows that he is a player with the quality to unlock doors in the Championship. He can open up defences with his creativity and that is why he could form an exciting partnership with Amad as the Ivorian has shown that he has the scope to be a regular goalscorer.
The 20-year-old, who was once dubbed “wonderful” by United’s Luke Shaw, scored 43 goals in 98 games for Atalanta and Manchester United combined at youth level and managed three goals in ten Premiership outings on loan at Rangers last term.
Therefore, he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third if he can adapt to playing Championship football and Pritchard could be the man to unlock his talents.
Just imagine the Englishman consistently feeding Amad with chances to score at the top end of the pitch. The former Serie A gem’s record in his short career suggests that he could thrive in front of goal with the right service and that is why he could form a dream duo with the Sunderland man.
