Sunderland have been urged to sign an ‘incredible’ attacker who has netted 24 goals this season.
Sunderland look set to end the campaign with their three strikers scoring a collective three goals, while Eliezer Mayenda is also yet to score whilst on loan with Hibs.
Jack Clarke has dominated Sunderland’s season and has arguably saved them from relegation, with his 15 goals proving the difference on many occasions.
The winger is extremely likely to move to the Premier League this season though, while Kristjaan Speakman will also be handed the task of finding a proven striker once again.
Bringing in two additions at the standard of Clarke will be tough, but it is what Sunderland desperately need to do if they are to push for promotion next time round.
However, the Black Cats have been encouraged to look to a different position to bag them the goals that Clarke won’t be there to score.
Sammie Szmodics would be a ‘good addition’
Former striker Don Goodman has claimed that Sammie Szmodics would be a ‘good addition’, while he believes joining a club like Sunderland would be the midfielder’s only way to the top flight.
As per Chronicle Live, Goodman said: “Do I think Sammie Szmodics would be a good addition for Sunderland? Yes. But based on their recruitment strategy of signing younger players they just wouldn’t go for him.
“Sammie’s got to keep on working hard and he may get an opportunity to move to a club that has an opportunity to reach the Premier League, with all respect to Blackburn. The only way he could reach the Premier League is by getting promoted with a club like Sunderland.
“With respect to him as a player, the step up is massive, I would never say he can’t make the step up, but looking at his career, I’d say he’s at his peak and a Premier League team will not come in for him.
“It’s no dig at him, the same statement applies to a whole load of players in the Championship.”
Sammie Szmodics has primarily played as an attacking midfielder this season, scoring 24 goals and providing four assists despite Blackburn’s relegation scrap.
While Rovers now look likely to stay up, they will face a huge battle to keep hold of the 28-year-old this summer.
An ambitious step too far for Sunderland
There is no denying that he would be an exceptional signing for the Black Cats and could well get them promoted.
However, for Goodman to suggest he won’t attract interest from the top flight doesn’t seem quite right, with The Sun recently reporting that both Fulham and Brentford are interested.
Szmodics looks set to win the Championship golden boot despite being a midfielder, so I don’t think any of the lower top flight clubs would turn their nose up at that just because he is 28.
He could even join a club on the verge of promotion. Either way, there seems more attractive options for him than Wearside.
It’s unclear how much he would cost, but it would also be very surprising if Sunderland were able to afford him too, especially given their need for a striker and a winger.