Sunderland’s latest signing will hopefully be a sign of things to come from Kristjaan Speakman.
New Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris’ preparation for the new campaign seems to have progressed in positive fashion.
Jobe Bellingham committing his future at the club will almost feel as good as a new signing, after the 18-year-old shone in a Sunderland side that were less than satisfactory in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.
Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is still generating Premier League interest, however the signing of Simon Moore prior to Le Bris’ arrival has shown that Sunderland have planned for the young goalkeepers development with the arrival of Moore.
The latest arrival on Wearside is Alan Browne following his from Preston North End, a signing that suggests that Kristjaan Speakman is learning from his previous mistakes.
Sunderland’s Kristjaan Speakman learnt his lesson with Alan Browne and Simon Moore signings
The signings of Browne and Moore bring well needed Championship experience and leadership into the dressing room, something that was wrongfully not prioritised ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign.
Sunderland started last season in positive fashion, however the latter stages of the season made it prevalent that there were very few leaders within the young Sunderland ranks.
Speakman going for youth talents last season was always going to be a risk, and one that certainly didn’t end positively.
Depending on how many more experienced players Sunderland get through the door, Speakman may have learnt his lesson in prioritising Championship experience.
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How many more experienced Championship players do Sunderland need
Bringing in the likes of Browne and Moore is perfect for this Sunderland side that was completely void of experience last season, bar a few individuals.
Browne has tallied 346 Championship appearances during his over a decade with Preston North End, getting 61 goal contributions during his time at the club, whilst moore has over 200 appearances across the Championship and League One.
Sunderland may have to go as far as signing one experienced leader in each position ahead of the season. The signing of Moore will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Patterson’s development, if he stays, therefore there’s no reason why Sunderland shouldn’t approach more signings with this in mind.
A striker mentor, for example, could unlock the best out of young Portuguese striker Luis Hemir, who didn’t manage to score a single goal in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.
Speakman went out last season and filled the squad to the brim with youth talent. There’s no reason why he should replace them, but instead can cater to their development with Championship experience dotted around the side, something that will help the young squad who have not quite managed to live up to their potential.