The January transfer window is long gone, and the summer is still months away, but Sunderland AFC News can exclusively reveal what’s going on with the Black Cats interest in Lawrence Shankland.
After the signing of Jayden Danns in the winter window backfired dramatically for Sunderland, with the Liverpool loanee still injured, the club needs to ensure the next attacking transfer they make is the right one.
While both Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda offer so much for the Black Cats, it seems Regis Le Bris is wanting more in the forward area for next season.
That’s where Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland comes in, and Sunderland AFC News understands that a transfer to Wearside could happen on one condition.
Sunderland want Lawrence Shankland, but promotion could change that
We spoke to TBR Football’s Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, about Sunderland’s reported interest in Shankland, and the transfer expert confirmed there is a definite link between the Mackems and the 29-year-old, but how the rest of the season plays out could affect things.
Bailey said: “He is a free transfer… Ipswich clearly see him as some sort of Liam Delap replacement, but Sunderland do like him to – would they want him if they get promoted? Perhaps not but impossible to say.
“But it is not just Sunderland or Ipswich that want him, a number of clubs are talking to him and are going to give him some options. Shankland I am told has a desire to play in England, so let’s see if he gets his wish.”
Bailey previously told Not The Old Firm that Shankland wanted to wait until the summer to assess his options as a free agent.
There is also believed to be interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey for the marksman.
Lawrence Shankland would be a great addition at Championship level
The truth is, Shankland is not Premier League quality. He’s a fairly decent SPL striker, but with just four goals and nine assists to his name this season, he’s not going to be the kind of player who can make an impact in the English top flight.
If Sunderland’s promotion dreams do come true this season, fans would surely want to see the club going after better, more proven Premier League level forwards to boost their chances of survival.
| Statistics | Lawrence Shankland (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Minutes | 2,889 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 9 |
In fact, even if they stay in the Championship, it’s hard to imagine Shankland being anything more than backup to Isidor and Mayenda. But, that’s not a bad thing.
Sunderland have a small squad, and Le Bris has had to manage the game time of Isidor and Mayenda very carefully of late. Having someone like Shankland in the roster would have made a big difference this season, and he would be a useful addition for the Black Cats next season if they’re still in the second tier.
As a free transfer, a lot will surely depend on the proposal teams put to Shankland. If he’s looking for regular minutes, Sunderland might not be the place to go. But, if he’s keen on a challenge and fancies his chances of competing with Isidor and Mayenda, he may just be tempted by the Stadium of Light switch.