“Unbelievable” Kristjaan Speakman reveal multimillion Offer From PL giants Sunderland rejected this summer to protect upcoming Academy of Light GEM.
Sunderland may have parted ways with Jack Clarke during the summer transfer window, but he was the only major departure from the Stadium of Light. Clarke secured a well-earned move to the Premier League with Ipswich Town after two impressive seasons in the Championship. However, key players like Dan Ballard, Anthony Patterson, and Dan Neil are still with the club.
Their continued presence has contributed to Sunderland’s excellent start to the season, with the team winning all four of their Championship matches so far.
Romaine Mundle, a former Tottenham Hotspur prospect, has stepped into Clarke’s role on the left wing, but academy talent Tommy Watson is widely viewed as Clarke’s long-term successor. Many have drawn comparisons between Watson and the now-departed Clarke.
Sunderland had to fend off late interest in Watson, with reports suggesting multiple bids from Brighton, the highest exceeding £2 million. Now, the club’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, has addressed these Premier League offers.
In an interview with the *Sunderland Echo*, Speakman acknowledged that, despite the financial offers, it was “really easy” to turn down the bids for Watson. He emphasized the teenager’s potential path to the first team, though he admitted it would be challenging given the team’s current high level of performance.
“Tommy is a young player we have high hopes for,” Speakman said. “He’s on the fringes of the team, and we hope he can get some minutes this year, though it’s going to be tougher because the team is performing at a higher level. But he’ll have our support, and we’ll look for opportunities for him.”
He added, “It’s flattering when Premier League clubs bid for your players, but was it difficult to reject? No, because the club is in a strong position. We value Tommy highly and believe in him, so it was easy to step aside from those discussions.”
**The Path to the First Team**
Sunderland is known for giving its top young talents opportunities at the senior level. Many academy graduates have successfully transitioned to the first team, with players like Patterson and Neil being recent examples. However, few have had the potential ceiling of midfielder Chris Rigg, who secured a spot in the squad last season and is now a regular in the starting XI.
Watson will be aiming to follow that path and make his mark when given the chance.
**Can Watson Break Through This Year?**
As Speakman mentioned, breaking into Regis Le Bris’ starting XI won’t be easy for Watson, despite his evident talent. The French manager will be hesitant to disrupt a winning formula, and with Mundle excelling on the left flank, it will be difficult for anyone to displace him.
If the opportunity arises, Watson will be eager to seize it. However, other players, such as summer signing Ian Poveda, as well as Jewison Bennette and Adil Aouchiche—both of whom were considered for loan moves—could provide more senior experience and competition for that spot.