Sunderland are looking into the possibility of signing a striker with Championship experience.
The necessity for additions at the start of the summer was very evident after what was a turbulent 2023/24 season, of which saw a lack of experience and leadership in the side and in the dugout become the deciding factor of Sunderland finishing in a plucky 16th position.
As a result, Kristjaan Speakman has looked to revert his tactic of bringing solely youthful players in, with Championship experience being rightly prioritised for Regis Le Bris’ side.
Former Preston North End captain Alan Browne has already impressed in the centre-of-the-park during pre-season, whilst the signings of Leeds United’s recently released winger Ian Poveda and former Coventry City shot-stopper Simon Moore have also been made.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the Black Cats’ striker situation has loomed over with a deal for 2023/24 Ligue 2 top scorer Alexandre Mendy seemingly stagnating as a result of Caen’s asking price.
However, Sunderland have targeted an alternative striker that they are ‘closer’ to.
Sunderland ‘edged in on talks’ for Sheffield Wednesday target Ike Ugbo
Sunderland are reportedly in the running to beat Sheffield Wednesday to the signing of Ike Ugbo from Ligue 2 side Troyes after it was revealed by Alex Miller on X that ‘payment structure [was] proving a major sticking point’ in the Owls getting their man.
The fee that has been agreed by Sheffield Wednesday stands at around £2.5million for the former Cardiff City striker.
Sunderland have now reportedly ‘edged in on talks’ and ‘are closer on that front’ for the Canadian striker that was on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season in the Championship, scoring seven goals to help them to safety.
Ike Ugbo signing fits the mould of Sunderland perfectly
If Sunderland are able to pull off a move for Ugbo, it’ll be a real shrewd piece of business from Speakman, who will have highlighted that the Canadian ticks a lot of boxes for the Black Cats.
Above all, Ugbo has that necessary proven Championship experience that has been built up across two loan spells in the Championship with Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 11 goals in 38 matches.
Le Bris also has an eye for players who have thrived in the French leagues, something that Ugbo proved in the 2021/22 season as he scored five in 14 for Troyes in Ligue 1.
Sunderland will also be taking a potential striker away and yet another transfer target from a Championship rival in Sheffield Wednesday, something that can’t be underestimated.
They have already been able to lure Poveda away from the prospect of football in South Yorkshire; providing that Sunderland acted swiftly to get a deal done, then they will have a solid Championship striker on their hands, at last.