JUST IN: Sunderland are stepping up their summer transfer plans under Kristjaan Speakman by making a WISE move to SIGN Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner as a free agent.
Sunderland are ramping up their transfer activities under sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and newly appointed head coach Regis Le Bris.
The club is pursuing Alexandre Mendy from Caen, though they’re encountering some obstacles in their bid for last season’s Ligue 2 top scorer. The 30-year-old striker could potentially join recent signings Simon Moore and Alan Browne at the Stadium of Light for the upcoming 2024/25 Championship season.
While other potential targets are being speculated about, Speakman is believed to be working on lesser-known prospects behind the scenes. The sporting director faces pressure to deliver in the transfer market following the extended search that led to Le Bris’s appointment in June.
Now, Sunderland appears to be targeting another free agent. Journalist Dominic Shaw reports that the Black Cats are ‘hoping to beat’ other Championship clubs to sign Ian Poveda, who was recently released by Leeds United.
Poveda, a 24-year-old with two caps for Colombia, spent much of his four years at Leeds on loan to Championship sides, including Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and most recently Sheffield Wednesday. Despite only registering one assist in 10 appearances for Wednesday, he became a fan favorite.
This interest in Poveda suggests Speakman is addressing last season’s lack of Championship experience in the squad. However, Poveda’s injury history is a concern, having limited him to just 55 Championship appearances over several years.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Poveda presents a dilemma. While he’s clearly talented, his ability to consistently play throughout a season is questionable. The club’s strong interest implies they believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks.