Jewison Bennette’s future is up in the air heading into the final days of the transfer window.
The winger made a good impression in Sunderland U21s’ win over Middlesbrough last night though, netting a brace to claim all three points.
Bennette’s game-time has been limited since joining the Black Cats in 2022, failing to make an appearance in the Championship since the 5-0 win over Southampton in September 2023.
The Costa Rican now looks set to leave on loan before Deadline Day and has been linked with a move to League One club Reading.
However, a deal is yet to be struck and he managed to fit in an impressive performance against Boro before his impending departure.
It wasn’t just his goals that caught the eye though, with journalist James Copley praising him for what he did after the game.
Bennette hailed as ‘a nice guy’ after Sunderland U21s win
He wrote on X: “Fair play to Jewi tonight. Good display but also stayed behind to take pictures with youngsters. Seems like a nice guy!”
Bennette needs to stay in the EFL this season
There was a lot of excitement when Bennette arrived at the Stadium of Light, netting in his second appearance for the club.
Sunderland have signed some exciting attackers since though, with the 20-year-old now behind the likes of Romaine Mundle and Ian Poveda in the pecking order.
Bennette was sent out on loan to Greece last season and while injury restricted his minutes, it never really seemed like a move that would have benefitted him in the long run.
The forward needed an EFL move so he could continue to adapt to life in England, as well as the physicality of English football.
A move to Reading seems ideal for Bennette, with the Royals surely hoping to push for promotion back to the Championship.
If he can earn a regular place in the team then he could really give Regis Le Bris something to think about next season, but there is no doubting that he will always have huge competition for a spot in the team.
Sunderland could well be looking for promotion for themselves now, so a place in the Premier League would throw Bennette’s future into doubt even further.
A loan exit still seems like the best idea for him though, as continuing his role in the U21s is going to limit his development.