Even if Amad Diallo does not return, Sunderland may be busy with several new arrivals.
Michael Beale may have turned a corner as Sunderland manager, relieving pressure on his back with a 3-1 victory over Stoke City last time out.
That crucial victory came after three games without a win for the under-pressure Black Cats manager, and the Wearside club’s activity in the transfer window also encouraged fans at the Stadium of Light.
Leo Hjelde’s arrival from Leeds United strengthens Sunderland’s weak left-back position, while a transfer for former Tottenham Hotspur winger Romaine Mundle appears to be on the cards.
Could Sunderland make it a hat-trick of positive signings with this young loanee before the deadline?
Sunderland eyeing up Arsenal starlet
According to a report from Football Transfers earlier this week, the Black Cats are interested in signing teenage Arsenal winger Charles Sagoe Jr on loan, with Sunderland perhaps needing an injection of creativity if Alex Pritchard’s projected move goes through.
Furthermore, Sagoe Jr., who has been dubbed the next Bukayo Saka at the Emirates Stadium, might be considered as a dream Amad Diallo replacement, with the Red Devils attacker unlikely to return to Sunderland despite his desire to do so, according to sources.
With Sunderland’s concept of giving young talent a chance, as evidenced by Jobe Bellingham’s prominent performance this season, Sagoe Jr might well flourish further when he makes the step-up to senior football with the Championship promotion contenders.
Slotting into the side alongside his fellow new addition, 20-year-old Mundle, might bring two players who were previously divided by a north London barrier together, with the young duo potentially enabling Beale’s men push on and successfully make the leap to the Premier League.
How Charles Sagoe Jr would fit into the Sunderland team
Sagoe Jr, who primarily played as a left winger for the Gunners at various ages, would not go in to replace Jack Clarke right away. After all, who would?
Rather, the intriguing 19-year-old would bide his time and benefit from the loan period as Clarke’s understudy if the former Tottenham player does not abruptly go on deadline day.
A loan move to Sunderland would be great for Charles Sagoe Jr. Competitive minutes in the men’s game would do wonders for his development at #Arsenal, and he would be going to an ambitious team with other young, quality players. #AFCpic.twitter.com/rfbOtDzoOw
— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) January 28, 2024
However, his performance at U23 level this season may necessitate first-team play at the Stadium of Light, as he has six assists in Premier League 2 in only eight games.
Sagoe Jr is also adept at playing down the right side, which could be where he receives more minutes for the time being. However, this could spark friendly competition with Mundle, who thrived as a right winger for Spurs in his childhood before going on to Standard Liege.
Romaine Mundle 😮💨 #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/lJdmD593oz
— ⚽️ (@TottenhamNewz_) April 15, 2023
Sunderland might hit gold if they sign both of these young stars, with the Black Cats possibly adding a plethora of creative outlets to their arsenal.
Beale will believe his squad has the requisite strength to fight at the top end of the division if Sagoe Jr joins Mundle, and a trade for Diallo is something Sunderland may consider again at a later date.
