Where a permanent Cats move for Dion stands amid ‘talks’ rumours
Sunderland have once again been linked with a permanent move for Dion Sanderson – but where does any potential transfer stand?
While it’s a deal that would no doubt be a good one for the Black Cats, it will be a difficult onetoseal.Wetakealookatthe stanceofallthreepartiesovera potentialsummermoveforthe youngster:
The Sunderland Verdict: Lee Johnson’s stance on the matter is clear.
He’s a big fan of Sanderson and has been impressed with his performances in recent weeks, and would be keen to sign the young defender were he to become available.
But at the moment, that’s certainly an ‘if ’.
Speaking in February after rumours of interest in a permanent deal surfaced, Johnson said: “We love Dion and he's ours for the short term, but obviously part of our job is tohelpdevelophimforWolves iftheydeemthattheywanthim to stay on.
"We wish him all the best [withthat]ofcourse.Ofcourse, if not, then a club like our would of course be interested in a young talent like Dion.”
The Wolves Verdict: Sanderson has been with Wolves since the age of eight and is a player well thought of at Molineux.
Indeed,hehasalreadybeen handed first-team opportunities – both on pre-season tours to Asia and in the cup competitions - and has made a major impact in the Under-23 side
prior to his loan moves to both Cardiff and Sunderland.
It’s not just his undoubted quality as a player that has impressed the Premier League side, but his personality too.
AsacademychiefScottSellars noted in 2019: “You’re not goingtomakeitasaprofessional footballer if you don’t strive toimprove,andhe’salsogotthe sort of personality we like, reallyhardworking,determined
and committed.
"They’re qualities we’re looking for in players, and qualities Nuno looks for; how players act on and off the pitch is important to him and us.”
Wolves’ belief in Sanderson’spotentialwasemphasised when they handed the central defender a new contract prior to his loan move to Wearside. That sees him tied-down to his boyhood club until the summer of 2022.
It looks unlikely that the Premier League side would be looking to sell this summer and, if they were, then a high fee would undoubtedly be required.
DionSanderson’sVerdict: Sanderson is known to be enjoying life in Sunderland. He has formed close friendships and is determined to help the club to promotion this season.
But,publiclyatleast,thedefender has made no secret of his desire to play for Wolves in the Premier League.
In a recent interview, he told Wolves' official website: "If the opportunity to play for Wolves presented itself, I would take it.
"Wolves have been my boyhood club, and it's where I see myself in the future."
But that hasn't stopped rumours circulating about a prospective summer move.
When asked last month if he had any thoughts on his futurefollowingthespeculation, the defender said: “Not really.
"For the time being I'm just enjoying my football really taking it game by game, winning and enjoying it.
"I haven't really thought much of it, it's just enjoying my football.”