Sunderland had reportedly ‘agreed’ deals for two Premier League strikers in the January transfer window.
Sunderland have desperately needed to bolster their No.9 position since Ross Stewart picked up a long-term injury 16 months ago.
The Black Cats have since brought in Nazariy Rusyn, Luis Hemir, Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda, Joe Gelhardt – who had a combined total of one goal in the Championship between them before joining the club.
With their summer signings failing to impress in the first half of the campaign, Sunderland fans were desperate to see a proven goalscorer brought in during the January window.
The Wearside outfit were linked with a number of forwards, but ended the month with Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Callum Styles as their only additions.
As far as supporters are aware, Sunderland put in little effort to bring in the striker that they have needed so badly.
However, journalist and commentator Nick Barnes has now claimed that the Black Cats actually had deals ‘agreed’ for two Premier League strikers that ended up collapsing.
Sunderland had two deals for strikers fall through
Speaking on BBC Total Sport, Barnes said: “It’s fascinating because the assumption is that they have not tried to get any experienced number nine into the building.
“Now, as I understand it, they had agreed a deal with Bournemouth for Kieffer Moore, but that fell through because of a wrangle over wages and Ipswich came in through the back door.
“They also had a deal in place for Jay Stansfield but again, that was not rubber stamped for whatever reason. And that’s something I think needs more transparency from the club.”
Kieffer Moore & Jay Stansfield could have been game-changers
Kieffer Moore was heavily linked with Sunderland for most of the transfer window, but there is no doubt that supporters will have been convinced they would never be able to afford him – and they were correct.
Though surely the Black Cats knew that the Welshman would demand hefty wages, so why agree a deal in the first place if we weren’t willing to budge?
It is thought that Moore rakes in around £25,000-per-week at Bournemouth, though I assume Ipswich only pay a fraction of that whilst he is on loan.
The 31-year-old went onto score seven goals for Ipswich, while they have lost only two games since he came into the side. Clearly a player who would have made a real impact at the Stadium of Light.
Similarly, Jay Stansfield has given Birmingham a real chance at staying up for most of the campaign – netting 12 goals during his time at St Andrews.
Sunderland do need to communicate with fans in these situations, because to us supporters, it feels like we just aren’t that bothered and we certainly aren’t willing to cough up any cash on a goalscorer.
It makes you wonder why that would be any different this summer, when we once again need to find a striker among a long list of other clubs doing the same.