The Black Cats that got away… and what it says for the future
Concerned by the prospect of receiving a paltry compensation fee had Maja signed a precontract with the Ligue 1 side, Sunderland opted to sell at a price still massively below his true worth.
Factoring in the ultimate costofreplacinghimandmissing out on promotion, it’s a decision which has backfired.
The key errors made are well established, beginning negotiations at a point where Maja’s stock had already risen significantly and his goals had made a mockery of the academy wage he was still earning. to English football after a largely successful campaign at VVV-Venlo.
Similarly, Oviedo reached an agreement on his contract beforejoiningFCCopenhagen.
Sunderland were protected financially by the decision to extend James’ contract for another year shortly before he moved to Doncaster Rovers, where he has been a regular for Darren Moore. mer and was one who the club hoped would grow with them through the divisions.
A superb showing against Burnley in the Carabao Cup was a reminder of his talent, but injury has curtailed his progress after a surprise loan switch to Salford City. As it stands, he seems certain to leave on a free this summer.
contract last summer, his futureislikelytobeanissuefor theBlackCatsshouldhereturn from his loan at Charlton this summer.
Surveying the departures of the last two years serves as a reminder of the ruinous legacy left by Sunderland’s dramatic descent through the footballing pyramid. Even now, the process is not fully completed.
It also serves as a reminder oftheimportanceofrecruiting well at this level, with sales key in creating room for reinvestmentinlieuofmajorinjections from owners.
Sunderland do have some key assets in their current squad, though Jon McLaughlin’s
future remains uncertain withhiscontractimpassecontinuing.
Denver Hume has proved himself, while Jordan Willis and Luke O’Nien have done much to plot the way forward for the recruitment department. Their athleticism, attitudeandroomforgrowthhave been a refreshing change.
The landscape in the EFL is changing rapidly, and the downward pressure on wages and transfer fees is likely to be significant. Salary caps of a more stringent nature seem likely.
Clubs like Sunderland will feel their large fanbases could give them an advantage in the market,butsmartscoutingwill be more important than ever.