Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was present as the club’s Under-21 team narrowly lost out to Manchester City at the weekend.
With Sunderland’s senior team in action on Friday, falling to defeat against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Kristjaan Speakman clearly had some free time on his hands.
The Black Cats have not won in six games now and are seeing their title challenge slip away. Indeed, the next two fixtures are crucial for Sunderland as they look to get back on track this season.
But, the future is still very bright at the Stadium of Light, with one prodigious talent excelling at youth level right now.
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Trey Ogunsuyi nets 13th goal of the season in front of Speakman
As per the Sunderland Echo, Speakman was present at the club’s Eppleton venue to watch the Under-21 side take on Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, and though the Sunderland academy lot fell to a 3-2 defeat in the end, he will have been happy with one aspect.
That’s because Trey Ogunsuyi, the 17-year-old striker making waves for the youth team, bagged yet another goal to take his tally to 13 this season.
Ogunsuyi gave the Black Cats the lead, and also played a key part in his side’s second goal, utilising a smart dummy to allow the ball to run through to teammate, Harrison Jones, to convert.
The Belgian youngster is playing well above his age level, having shown his quality with the Under-18s and getting a promotion to the Under-21s in light of Luis Hemir Semedo’s loan move to Juventus Next Gen.
Clearly, Ogunsuyi is making the most of his opportunity. He’s even been part of Regis Le Bris’ matchday squad a couple of times already, but is yet to make his debut.
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Sunderland have to give Trey Ogunsuyi a new contract next
Ogunsuyi has been hailed as an ‘interesting’ gem of a player who has caught the eye at Sunderland with his goalscoring exploits, maturity, and footballing intelligence.
However, Ogunsuyi is also thought to be attracting attention from Liverpool, who missed out on signing the teenager as a scholar before he joined Sunderland.
It remains to be seen whether the Anfield outfit will actually make a move for Ogunsuyi, but with his current contract set to expire in 2026, Sunderland will have to be wary.
Sunderland just handed Matty Young a new contract, with Harrison Jones expected to be next in line. Surely, a new deal will follow for Ogunsuyi shortly after.