Callum Styles’ future at Sunderland has just become slightly clearer after a new revelation has come to light.
Styles, 24, joined Sunderland on loan from Barnsley during the winter transfer window, with the Black Cats having the option to make his stay permanent.
It was widely reported that Styles was a long-term target for the Black Cats and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
But the Hungarian international wouldn’t enjoy a strong start to life at the Stadium of Light, with his form being very mixed in the opening few weeks.
Mike Dodds was struggling to figure out where to fit Styles into the XI, admitting that he didn’t yet know Styles’ best position.
Styles though would go on to start the last five games of the season for Sunderland; four of which in the left wing-back role which he really started to flourish in.
It was reported in April that Sunderland would likely exercise the option to make his stay from Barnsley permanent this summer.
Fresh Callum Styles update as Sunderland weigh up permanent deal
Little has been said about Styles’ Sunderland future since that last update in April.
But now, a fresh report from Sunderland Echo has written that ‘there is understood still to be a fair amount of time to run on the option to make Callum Styles’ loan permanent’.
The same report adds that, whoever the next Sunderland manager is, could have a say in whether or not Styles is signed permanently from Barnsley.
And so there seems to be no rush from Sunderland’s end to make a decision on whether or not Styles stays, with hiring a new manager right at the fore of Sunderland focus right now.
Why Sunderland may think twice about Callum Styles deal
Styles is certainly a manager’s dream; being able to play in numerous positions, being a very lively and combative player, and one of quality too.
His Sunderland spell ended with mixed reviews, though. He started poorly but finished strong, but Speakman and co may have fresh reservations about whether or not they should sign Styles on a permanent deal.
The fact that Styles was a long-term target for Sunderland may explain why he didn’t start so well and why Dodds didn’t truly know how best to use him.
Styles wasn’t necessarily signed with a manager or playing style in mind; he was arguably signed for his Championship experience and his ability to play in different positions.
And now with another new manager coming in, where Styles might fit into the equation remains to be seen, especially with Aji Alese now back and Dennis Cirkin returning to fitness in the pre-season as well.
That left-back position is quite well-stocked. Styles may have more luck in midfield but he seems more effective on the left, so it’s certainly a tough call for the club to make.
But Sunderland have time to decide, and the new manager could well have the final say on the matter.