Tony Mowbray has suggested that Danny Batth, Lynden Gooch and Alex Pritchard could be allowed to leave Sunderland this summer.
Speaking after the Carabao Cup defeat to Crewe Alexandra, the Black Cats boss admitted that he wouldn’t stand in their way if leaving the club was ‘right for them’.
The three players will all see their contracts on Wearside expire next summer and recent reports have claimed that they have all been told their deals won’t be extended beyond this season.
Batth has been heavily linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers after he was left out of the starting line-up against Ipswich Town, while Gooch and Pritchard have both previously been linked with a reunion with Alex Neil at Stoke City.
“I think my own view is about the individuals, the players,” said Mowbray.
“If there’s an understanding that the players are going to leave – either want to leave or feel as though they’re not required – then I think my first thought is always about the human being and their families, and what’s right for them.
“Particularly as you start to tiptoe into your 30s, you need to have contractual situations that are right for the human being. So, I’m supportive of Danny and Alex, and Goochy, who picked up a knock so didn’t play (against Crewe) but who should be alright in a couple of days.
“I think what will be, will be. Let’s see what this next three weeks brings. I, personally, need to be supportive of those players. Obviously, I’m employed by this football club and we will do what we think is right for the football club at the time. That might be allowing players to leave, as long as we replace them.”
Sunderland will regret selling Danny Batth and Alex Pritchard
While Lynden Gooch’s versatility has been very useful to Sunderland and he is undeniably one of the most committed players at the club, I would have no complaints if he was sold this summer.
However, Danny Batth and Alex Pritchard are different. My reasons for wanting to keep Batth are pretty self explanatory, while Pritchard’s cameo appearance against Ipswich speaks for itself.
The midfielder wasn’t exactly on fire last season and it is understandable that the club would consider selling him ahead of his 31st birthday next year, however he brought so much attacking threat and energy that we lacked throughout the game when he was brought on at the weekend.
It seems pointless selling them both this summer when we could just keep them for an extra season – even if it is just for their experience and leadership that the rest of the squad lack.