Sunderland are now ‘unlikely’ to pursue the signing of Nathaniel Adjei.
That’s according to the Sunderland Echo, who have claimed that the summer arrivals of Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt make a further addition far from a priority.
The Black Cats snapped up 20-year-old pair Triantis and Seelt during the summer transfer window, with both making their first starts for the club against Birmingham City.
The defensive duo’s appearances have been very limited due to the form of Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien, while they are expected to be much more important in the future given their ages.
Despite being stacked with young exciting defenders, Sunderland have recently been linked with yet another in Nathaniel Adjei.
The Sun claimed earlier this month that Tony Mowbray’s side are one of a number of Championship clubs targeting the Ghana U23 international.
Adjei joined Swedish club Hammarby IF last year and has made 21 appearances for the senior team this year.
The defender’s form has attracted interest from the likes of Middlesbrough, Preston, Celtic and Rangers.
While Sunderland were thought to be one club keen to bring Adjei to England, it now appears ‘unlikely’ that they would prioritise a position that they appear to be well-stocked up in.
Should Sunderland still be looking to add defensive reinforcements?
Sunderland still have around £8 million to splash following Ross Stewart‘s move to Southampton, however there is no chance that they would cough up any cash on a centre-back at this stage.
Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard look to have secured their positions in the starting line-up this season, while the former is only likely to be budged by someone that has really impressed elsewhere. Jenson Seelt currently looks the closest to that ever happening, but adding someone else to the ranks with such little experience doesn’t really seem logical.
Sunderland are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder, while they also face losing Jack Clarke in January.
With the return of Aji Alese looming, it would be a huge surprise to see Sunderland bring in a new signing that almost replicates what they did with Seelt and Triantis in the summer.
There has also been claims that Nathaniel Adjei could even be available on loan until the Swedish season starts again in April, which would make even less sense for the Wearside outfit.
At this point, Sunderland’s only defensive additions should be someone that can come in and improve that backline straight away. A very tough ask for Adjei.