One Kristjaan Speakman decision in 2023 looks as though it may massively pay off for Sunderland.
Sunderland this season have endured a decent 2024/25 Championship campaign, which currently sees Regis Le Bris’ side sat 4th in the table with a likely chance of finishing in the play-offs.
Much of this comes down to the brilliant man-management courtesy of Le Bris, who has brought out the very best of several key men, especially the likes of Eliezer Mayenda, who has gone from a surplus to requirements striker with Hibernian last season, to a brilliant Championship attacker. However, something else that ultimately deserves praise is the recruitment.
In recent years, Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has been hounded for his decisions surrounding transfers, which, admittedly, have occasionally not worked out, especially before the 2023/24 season.
However, there was one signing that he made before that campaign that now looks to massively pay dividends for Sunderland, and it is one that Speakman deserves much more praise for.
Kristjaan Speakman deserves more praise for Nectarios Triantis transfer as Australian shines for Hibernian
One top-performing Black Cats man this season currently finds himself plying his trade away from Wearside, and it is loanee Nectarios Triantis, who has spent the campaign at Hibernian.
Since arriving at the Edinburgh-based outfit in the summer, Triantis has come on leaps and bounds for Hibs, playing a crucial role in the side that are high-flying in 3rd, only behind Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.
Triantis was also handed his first Australia call-up this season, with his performances being recognised on the international stage.
Because of this, it was brilliant foresight by Speakman to uncover the defensive-midfield gem, especially for such a small fee of around £300,000, and there is no doubt that this current campaign has turned Triantis into an incredible prospect.
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Kristjaan Speakman will be left with difficult Nectarios Triantis and Sunderland decision ahead of 2025/26
With the scintillating form that Triantis has been on this season, there will be a difficult call set to be made by Speakman and Le Bris ahead of next season, and that will be surrounding the Australian’s future.
Much of it will depend on where Neil ends up, and he could prove to be a suitable replacement for the Sunderland captain amid links away to Roma.
However, if Le Bris still doesn’t see him in his plans, tehre is no doubt that Speakman will be able to fetch a rather sizeable fee for him, and one that would certainly eclipse the initial £300,000 spent to attain his services back in 2023.