Following a widely successful season at the Stadium of Light, many had hopes of Amad Diallo returning to the Black Cats.
20-year-old Ivorian Amad Diallo quickly made himself a fan favourite last season. The Manchester United loanee scored 13 goals and assisted three as he helped Tony Mowbray take Sunderland to the playoffs.
After the loan ended, many had hoped he would return, with reports even suggesting the £18.2million youngster favoured a move back to Wearside.
However these hopes have been put to bed by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who spoke with The Athletic.
Speakman appreciated the gifted forward’s contributions, however he doesn’t see a repeat.
He explained, “Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don’t think so. He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever. That’s the level of player he is.”
“The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland.”
He concluded by saying, “I’m so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray] and had a vibrant smile on his face. He loved it. Naturally, that’s what we want.”
How do Sunderland replace Amad?
So, with a return now off the table, how will Speakman replace the ‘magician’ as Tony Mowbray passionately dubbed the youngster.
The clear answer for Mowbray and Sunderland comes in the form of 21-year-old Isaac Lihadji who joined in January from Lille.
The French U21 international failed to make an instant impact at the Stadium of Light. He made just six appearances amounting to 79 minutes, however this is expected to multiply next season.
Lihadji has shown his talent in senior football before, with five assists and a goal for Lille in 30 appearances.