As is often the case, Sunderland are looking to sign a new striker. But Kristjaan Speakman has so far suffered setbacks in the search, the latest of which regards Tom Cannon.
Tom Cannon looked like Sunderland’s man. But Cannon is set to join Sheffield United in an initial £10million deal, with the fee rising to £3million.
It’s a huge boost for the Blades and a blow for the Black Cats. But Sunderland don’t look like they’re wasting anytime with links to a couple of other strikers brewing.
Sunderland want to sign Matija Frigan from Westerlo whilst it’s also been claimed that Kristjaan Speakman has identified Preston striker Emil Riis as a January target.
There’s two weeks left of the January transfer window and the need for a new striker is definitely growing. Aaron Connolly has left Sunderland to join up with Alex Neil at Millwall, leaving only Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda as Regis Le Bris’ striker options.
But there could be a great option for the Black Cats over in La Liga.
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Sunderland should make a move for Kelechi Iheanacho at Sevilla
Former Manchester City and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho joined up with La Liga side Sevilla during the summer. The Nigerian left Leicester following their promotion to the Premier League, joining Sevilla on a free transfer.
But he’s struggled since. Iheanacho is yet to score in nine La Liga games and is now being tipped to leave. Leeds United are among the teams who’ve been linked with Sevilla ready to let Iheanacho leave for free, per reports coming out of Spain recently.
Last season, the 28-year-old scored five goals in 23 Championships games for the Foxes. But in seven years with Leicester City, former Manchester City man Iheanacho scored 61 goals in 232 total games, with 42 of his goals coming in the Premier League.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Sevilla wages could be an issue
As many might expect, Iheanacho is on a huge wage at Sevilla, which might explain why they’re so keen to offload him during this January transfer window.
Per Capology, Iheanacho earns £79,000-a-week at Sevilla. But the Sunderland owners have shown that they’re ready to spend the cash in a bid to aid the promotion push under Le Bris.
Sunderland are paying Enzo Le Fee’s Roma wages which are thought to be as high as £69,000-a-week, so a deal for Iheanacho until the end of the season could be something within Kyril Louis-Dreyfus budget.
He’s an experienced striker who’s proven himself at a level higher than the Championship before. As a back-up option for Isidor and Mayenda, or even as a starter on occasion, Iheanacho would be a great addition.
Whether he’d be up for a half-season contract at Sunderland remains to be seen. But Le Fee joining and Sunderland looking strong will certainly bolster their case.