Super six the Cats should sign and keep
SEVENTEEN Sunderland players are out of contract this summer, leaving the club with some serious decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them in.
With a new owner, sporting director and head coach all arriving since December, those in charge will have to sift through all the data quickly but there are some stars who should be tied down as soon as possible.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover gives the club financial security and boss Lee Johnson has made an instant impact on the pitch. Now it is time for them, and sporting chief Kristjaan Speakman to get players putting pen to paper.
Here are six key players who have been vital in Sunderland’s recent upturn in fortunes and should be tied down for at least another year at the Stadium of Light.
CHARLIE WYKE
Sunderland’s No 9 is enjoying the best return of his career this season and Johnson has transformed him into one of the league’s most prolific strikers.
Wyke is already attracting interest from Championship clubs, with Middlesbrough among the clubs interested in the 28-yearold. The Teesside-born forward has an impressive 27 goals to his name so far this season.
While he has struggled at times during his spell on Wearside, his form this season has shown everyone what he is capable of.
Johnson has transformed Wyke from an isolated target man into a complete forward capable of leading the Black Cats’ high press.
LUKE O’NIEN
The versatile dynamo has been instrumental in Sunderland’s fantastic run of form after coming back from injury.
The 26-year-old dislocated his shoulder prior to Johnson’s arrival and missed a large chunk of the season.
However, O’Nien has responded fantastically and shown his versatility is vitally important to their success.
The recent run of six clean sheets from a possible seven has been largely down to the makeshift back four.
O’Nien has played in the heart of defence in all of those games and was named man of the match at Wembley as Sunderland won the EFL Trophy and ended their 48-year wait for a win at the national stadium.
If they can keep him fit, there is no reason O’Nien would not continue to impress in the Championship if Sunderland are to win promotion.
Johnson kept his cards close to his chest when questioned about a new deal for O’Nien and said there was nothing in the rumours, leaving the former Wycombe man in limbo.
LEE BURGE
Sunderland’s goalkeepers have come under their fair share of scrutiny this season. However, Burge has shown in recent weeks why he’s comfortably the club’s number one.
He pulled off two fantastic saves in the EFL Trophy final to keep the Black Cats in the game and propel them on to victory.
The shot-stopper also made history as he produced two penalty saves at the Stadium of Light against Doncaster Rovers.
MAX POWER
Power’s career at the Stadium of Light appeared to be stagnating and ebbing away to nothing. However, under Johnson, the Sunderland skipper has been one of the standout performers.
He wrote his name into Black Cats history by becoming the first Sunderland skipper to lift a trophy at Wembley since Bobby Kerr in 1973. Power has shown a willingness to play out of position – at rightback – in the midst of an injury crisis. He has given Johnson’s side an option on the right flank and has been consistent with his delivery in the final third.
He certainly deserves a contract extension based on recent performances.
JOSH SCOWEN
The midfielder has been like Marmite since he joined the Black Cats. Some love him, while others aren’t convinced.
However, when you look at the role that Scowen actually plays in Sunderland’s system there aren’t many in the squad who can operate like him. He is energetic, tenacious and progressive with the majority of his play.
Scowen has been one of the first names on the teamsheet since Johnson’s arrival and that speaks volumes.
AIDEN McGEADY
At 34 years of age, you would be forgiven for thinking that the former Celtic and Everton star’s best days were beyond him.
But he’s shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, McGeady has been tipped for a return to the Republic of Ireland squad to address their lack of creativity.
McGeady would command quite the wage but given his ability to change games in the blink of an eye, it’s surely worth an extension.
Johnson has already said that he believes McGeady has a few more years in him yet and who can disagree.
He’s been a fantastic part in Sunderland’s rejuvenation and their promotion push. He could be the difference between the title and the play-offs for the Black Cats.