Despite getting relegated to the second division, Sunderland should follow the example of their arch-rivals Newcastle United. The Magpies carved an immediate back to the Premier League with their grit, passion and determination backing them and this is what their local rivals should attempt to do.
However, for doing the same, they would need to make shrewd permanent, as well as loan deals and here are three Premier League players whom they should target to lure on loan to strengthen their arsenal.
Sam Johnstone
The Black Cats conceded 69 goals last season and quite rightly got axed from the English top flight and it goes without saying that they need a quality man between the sticks to save their blushes next season. Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone’s loan move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window was a success and he proved to be a valuable asset for the Villans with the gloves. And with a chance that Pickford might make an exit, there has to be an able replacement for the season.
The 24-year-old is a fine goalkeeper who has excellent positioning sense inside the box, punches the ball well, reads the crosses in a shrewd manner and makes good reflexes and a move to the Stadium of Light should appeal him too.
Tammy Abraham
Anyone who is familiar with the game of football must have got acquainted by now with the name of Tammy Abraham. The prolific young poacher, who was farmed out on loan to Bristol City from Chelsea, banged 23 goals and registered 3 assists in 41 Championship appearances last season and carved a name for himself in the good books of football fraternity.
Owing to the justifiable obsession of a top quality club like the Blues with renowned names, the 19-year-old isn’t likely to get a chance to get into Antonio Conte’s plans at this stroke of hour and a team like Sunderland, which would be eyeing for an immediate return back to the Premier League, should be aiming to get him on loan.
Jason Denayer
A youngster who has the calibre of being a regular player for his parent club Manchester City few years down the line, Jason Denayer has enjoyed fruitful spells with Celtic, Galatasaray and Sunderland in his last three seasons.
He accumulated vital Premier League experience under David Moyes last season and in 22 appearances, the Belgian international cultivated 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.3 clearances and 0.8 blocks per game on an average and put his resilience on display.
Besides, he is capable of plying his trade anywhere in the backline as well as a central defensive midfielder and without any shadow of a doubt, Sunderland must be keen to get him on loan once again.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
