One Sunderland ace is currently receiving interest from a high-flying League One side.
The Black Cats academy has produced some fine talents in recent years, with the likes of Chris Rigg and Dan Neil being the most prominent examples, as well as the emerging Tommy Watson, who looked immense before his untimely injury earlier on in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Sunderland will be looking towards the Academy of Light for their next stars in the near future, with many highlighting Trey Ogunsuyi as a candidate to lead the line for Regis Le Bris’ side in the coming seasons, whilst Harrison Jones has proven to have incredible potential whilst playing at youth level.
However, there is another Sunderland ace that is currently being targeted by a League One side following a decent loan spell in the National League North.
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Stockport County interested in Sunderland youngster Caden Kelly
Looking at the current Sunderland youngsters that are plying their trade away from Wearside, one of which has performed very well in the 2024/25 campaign is Caden Kelly, who is currently on loan at National League North side Darlington, where he has recently had his time extended at the club.
With three goals and an assist to his name, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder has piqued the interest of League One side Stockport County, who, per Alan Nixon on Patreon, are looking to sign.
The Hatters, who are currently flying high in League One, are wanting to swoop in for the youngster, who they want to take an extra look at in an extended trial period at County, whilst he still gets played at Darlington.
Kristjaan Speakman may take bold approach with youngsters not quite making the cut
There are several top prospects in Sunderland’s academy, something that could prove to be a double-edged sword for Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman.
Sunderland’s Director of Football has created an environment for the youngsters to thrive, and whilst this is incredibly beneficial to the club to have several youth stars waiting in the wings to be handed first-team game time, they simply can’t hand it out to all.
Whilst Kelly has many years ahead of him in what will likely be a highly successful career, he is still far down the midfield pecking order in the academy, with the likes of Jones playing at a higher level, despite being younger.
The biggest opportunity for Kelly to notch top level game-time would be with a move to Stockport County, something that Sunderland shouldn’t look to stand in the way of, both for their own and the player’s benefit.