Sunderland and Kristjaan Speakman could return for one of their January targets in the summer. He moved elsewhere in the winter window and he’s shone since.
Sunderland’s January transfer window was a bit of a mixed bag for Kristjaan Speakman, who got three good signings over the line but left many thinking the club still lacks in key areas. Notably up front.
The permanent signing of Wilson Isidor is very positive but the loan signing of Jayden Danns has been questioned by fans, with the Liverpool man injured and potentially sidelined for a while longer yet.
Strikers again looks set to be the focus for Speakman in the summer, especially now that Sunderland are entertaining transfer interest in Isidor from the likes of Leeds United, Spurs and Crystal Palace, and with Danns returning to Liverpool in the summer too.
In January though, Le Bris often stated his intentions to sign attackers who aren’t solely no.9s but more general attackers, who can play wide or even as the no.10. One such player is Marcus Edwards.
- READ MORE: ‘Definitely’… Referee Farai Hallam told he made a critical error in Sunderland defeat vs Hull City
Sunderland keeping tabs on Marcus Edwards ahead of the summer
Sunderland wanted to sign Edwards, 26, on loan from Sporting CP during the January transfer window. It was an ambitious but very exciting link, though former Spurs man Edwards would join promotion rivals Burnley on loan on deadline day.
He’s since shone with two goals in his first four games for Scott Parker’s side, including a goal in their most recent 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night. Now though, Alan Nixon has revealed on Patreon that Sunderland are keeping tabs on how Edwards fares at Turf Moor, ‘in case they have a second chance to sign him in summer’.
Nixon adds that Sunderland being promoted and Burnley missing out could prompt the Black Cats to make a similar offer to what they did in January, after only narrowly missing out on the Englishman to Burnley. Clarets boss Scott Parker has described Edwards as a ‘special talent’.
Who else did Sunderland miss out on in January, and how are they faring?
Edwards wasn’t the only player linked with Sunderland in January who ended up moving elsewhere. There were a number of players who fit that category, but the likes of Tom Cannon were ones that were really closely linked, but who then moved elsewhere.
Like Edwards, he moved to a promotion rival in Sheffield United. Sunderland were ready to spend £10million on Cannon who’s yet to score in four league games for the Blades.
Elsewhere, Louie Barry was another linked with Sunderland in January who moved elsewhere, and he played against Sunderland on Saturday, albeit coming off with injury. He’s failed to score in four league games for the Tigers.
Edwards though certainly looks like a talent and someone who’d really bolster the Sunderland side. First off, though, the Black Cats need to secure promotion.