In an interview with talkSPORT, pundit Graeme Souness made a huge claim about Sunderland and it is one supporters will surely be delighted to hear.
Sunderland parted ways with Tony Mowbray on Monday night and the club are now in pursuit of a talented young manager to lead them into a new era.
The 60-year-old was shockingly sacked on the back of a three-match winless streak that left the Black Cats three points behind sixth-place Hull.
With several replacements touted, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Reims’ Will Still and Frenchman Julien Sable, whoever takes charge of Sunderland will need to deliver Premier League football back to the Stadium of Light.
On that, Souness has given his verdict on where he believes the North East giants should be.
What has Graeme Souness said about Sunderland?
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said:
“Sunderland should be in the Premier League”
“An enormous club. They’d be an asset. Them and Newcastle going at it is only good for football.”
After spending six years playing football outside of the top flight following their relegation in 2017, it’s only recently that Sunderland have come close to returning to the big time.
The Black Cats suffered through a gut-wrenching downward spiral into League One, spending four seasons there before returning to the Championship in 2022.
Since then, Tony Mowbray has built the foundations of a side capable of challenging for promotion after reaching the play-offs last term.
Although his dismissal was harsh, it’s time for the next talented tactician to step up and lead the Wearside giants back to where they belong.
Can Sunderland reach the Premier League this season?
Despite suffering a slump in form recently, there is still plenty of time for Sunderland to mount a challenge for promotion, especially if Jack Clarke can continue firing from all cylinders.
The 22-year-old has been a revelation down the left flank this term, plundering 10 goals and one assist in 19 appearances.
However, given the departure of Mowbray and the interest from Premier League clubs gathering pace, Clarke’s future could be less secure.
That said, if Sunderland are to stand any chance of reaching the playoffs, they’ll need to keep the Englishman beyond January.
Successfully managing the above can see a new manager stamp his philosophy on proceedings and look to hit the ground running over the festive period.
If the Black Cats can hit a purple patch of form and thrive off a new manager bounce, they could be in a strong position to mount a challenge – at least for the top six – in the New Year.