Sunderland are shrewd operators in the transfer market. Largely thanks to the work of Kristjaan Speakman, the Black Cats have a transfer model that’s the envy of many.
Sunderland are certainly building towards the Premier League in a very sustainable way: buying young players, usually for cheap and from clubs where they aren’t getting minutes, and turning them into valuable assets.
Last summer, Sunderland sold Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town in an £18million deal. In the upcoming transfer window, there’ll no doubt be at least one or two players exits at the Stadium of Light again with names like Jobe Bellingham linked with a £20million exit.
As ever, though, Kristjaan Speakman will be on the lookout for the next Sunderland talents who could net the club a hefty transfer fee in years to come. There’s been a number linked in the last few months with one being Celtic hotshot Daniel Cummings.
The 18-year-old has shot to fame this season, largely owing to his prolific scoring form Celtic’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League with six goals in seven games so far.
West Ham make first-team promise to Sunderland target Daniel Cummings
Sunderland have an interest in Cummings at Celtic, with the young striker set to become a free agent in the summer as things stand. But the Black Cats aren’t the only team interested. West Ham have also been strongly linked with the youngster.
On deadline day, it was reported that West Ham had agreed to sign Cummings. But the striker remains at Celtic where his future is as uncertain as ever, despite his move to West Ham seemingly falling through.
Now though, it’s reported by Hammers News that, in a bid to tempt Cummings to East London, the Hammers have promised him first-team minutes in the Premier League.
For Sunderland, that may come as a particular blow as they themselves have founded their transfer model around giving players first-team exposure that they don’t often get at Premier League clubs. For Speakman, it’s a taste of his own medicine.
Daniel Cummings told Sunderland would still be a good fit
The link between Cummings and Sunderland makes a lot of sense, given the fact that Sunderland remain a club who invest in youngsters and give them the minutes and exposure to really prevail.
Speaking earlier in the season, Carlton Palmer suggested that Sunderland would be a good fit for Cummings because of that, saying: “Daniel would be a good fit for the club, when you look at the players that have come on there. Look at Jack Clarke, the way he flourished at Sunderland when given the opportunity.
“I think it could be a good move (to Sunderland), but there are a lot of other clubs who also look interested in his services.”
With West Ham seemingly determined to land the teenager, it could spell the end of Sunderland’s pursuit. Though if for any reason the move hits a snag, as it did on deadline day, Sunderland could be there to pick up the pieces.
Strikers are still needed at the Stadium of Light and Cummings would be an exciting signing for sure.