A long-term Sunderland transfer target could be loaned out this summer. But Kristjaan Speakman would need to push the boat out.
Sunderland enter into the 2024/25 Championship season as something of an unknown quantity, with new boss Regis Le Bris having never managed in England before.
It’s also only Le Bris’ second job as a manager, and after what’s been a fairly uneventful summer transfer window for the Black Cats, many might tip Sunderland to struggle next season.
But it remains a squad full of talent and one that’s added some much-needed Championship experience this summer, with Ian Poveda recently joining Sunderland and becoming the club’s third summer signing after Simon Moore and Alan Browne.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman wants to sign a striker this summer and Sunderland have been linked with Alexandre Mendy at Caen.
A deal for Mendy may yet fall through with Sunderland running into obstacles.
But a longer-term Sunderland attacking target could still be on the move during this summer’s transfer window.
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Fulham stance on Sunderland target Jay Stansfield revealed
After spending last season on loan at Birmingham City, Fulham striker Jay Stansfield now looks set to be on the move again this summer.
He won Birmingham City’s Player of the Season award after scoring 12 Championship goals for the relegated Blues.
Birmingham City want to re-sign Stansfield this summer, in a rumoured £5million deal, though an emerging report from Standard has revealed that Fulham may still loan him out.
Fulham boss Marco Silva is keen for Stansfield to play a part for Fulham in the Premier League next season.
But the Whites are open to a possible sale of the 21-year-old and open to the possibility of loaning him out, ‘if an attractive enough proposal materialises’.
Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland know exactly what to do
Stansfield showed his class in the Championship last season, scoring 12 goals and grabbing two assists for a very poor Birmingham City side, whilst playing under different managers and in different positions too.
He’s a natural no.9 though and should he join Sunderland, who’ve been linked with Stansfield on and off for the past year, he’d surely playing the no.9 role, with the wide positions pretty well-stocked as things stand.
And with very few no.9s at Sunderland, and even fewer who can cut it in the Championship, Stansfield would get plenty of game-time which would surely be attractive to Fulham.
What may also be attractive to Fulham is the fact that Sunderland is a team brimming with youngsters who continue to improve their game at the club, so there’s reason to believe that Stansfield could shine in a season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
If Speakman can put an attractive proposal together for Fulham, then they should certainly swoop in for Stansfield.