This Sunderland man looks as though he’s closing in on a summer move.
Sunderland have endured a rather slow summer transfer window so far, proceeding what was an arduous search process for a new manager.
Sunderland appointed Regis Le Bris earlier this summer after spending four months looking for a new permanent manager.
Inevitably, it seemed as though not having a manager in place delayed transfer plans at the Stadium of Light, or at least delayed players’ decisions on whether or not to join the club.
So far this summer, Kristjaan Speakman has welcomed three new players to Sunderland, but looks set to add more with Sunderland eyeing Alexandre Mendy.
Expect to see a number of new players arrive on Wearside before the August 30th transfer deadline.
There could also be a number of payer exits; there’s some big-money transfer deals in headlines, as well as some possible loan exits as Sunderland look to get their youngsters out and about.
Oliver Bainbridge latest at Sunderland after Kilmarnock loan links
Young goalkeeper Matty Young has joined Salford City on loan this summer, and he looks set to be followed by a few of his youth teammates in the coming weeks.
Recent reports revealed that Kilmarnock want to sign Oliver Bainbridge on loan for the 2024/25 season.
Left-back Bainbridge has impressed with Sunderland at youth level and could well be playing Europa League football with Kilmarnock next season.
The latest on that front is that Sunderland remain in talks with numerous parties over the possible loan exit of Bainbridge, not just Kilmarnock, per Sunderland Echo.
What’s more is that the 19-year-old was absent from Sunderland U21s’ recent friendly win over Hebburn Town.
One other Sunderland youngster should leave on loan this summer
There’s a number of youth players at Sunderland who are either knocking on the door of the first-team, or readying for loan moves like Young and Bainbridge.
But the current first-team squad remains one full of quality, for the time being at least, so getting opportunities as a youth player is still quite challenging.
Along with Bainbridge though, there’s one other player who Speakman should weigh up a loan move for; Tom Watson.
Fans were desperate to see him in the first-team last season but the Jack Clarke-like winger had to wait until the final game of the season to make his debut.
If Clarke stays this summer, then Watson should be entrusted to go out on loan and gain some proper first-team experience.