Grigg hasn’t fired on Wearside… so what's next for striker Will?
It has been one of the key questions of pre-season, and one which is yet to receive a conclusive answer.
What is going to happen with Will Grigg?
The striker spent the latter part of the 2020/21 season on loan at MK Dons, and a permanent departure was expected this summer. But with just a weekuntiltheseasonkicks-off, Grigg remains on Wearside.
So what is the current situation?
THEOUTSIDEINTEREST
Grigg’s constructive loan spell at MK Dons last season naturally attracted interest from other League One sides.
The Dons were keen to bring back the striker, while big-spending Wigan Athletic wereanothersideconsidering a move for their former talisman. However, a deal was never going to be straightforward.
Grigg’s wages at the StadiumofLightcouldproveastumblingblockformanythird-tier sides looking to strike a deal – andinawindowwhereaplethora of players are available, there were always going to be other options on the table that may have been easier to navigate financially.
And both of those clubs have indeed secured other strikers.
Wigan have added Charlie WykeandStephenHumphrys, while MK Dons secured the eye-catching additions of Mo Eisa and Troy Parrott.
Itseemsunlikelythateither side will commit any more significant capital into securing
strikers given those deals, meaning moves for Grigg now look unlikely.
One potential option could be Oxford United. Karl Robinson has made no secret of his desire to sign Grigg in the past, and they are known to be in the market for forwards having missed out on Ellis Harrison from Portsmouth.
However, there is not understood to be any serious interest from the U’s at present. SUNDERLAND’SSTANCE LeeJohnsonhasbeenclear in his stance that as long as Grigg is on Wearside, then he will be considered for selection.
With a year left on his contract, the head coach is keen to workwiththestriker–andhas urged him to continue giving his all to get in the team.
"We haven't really had too manydiscussionsbecausehe's here and he's under contract," Johnson said.
"While you're here and under contract you've just got to give100%togetintheteamand stay there, and to score goals.
"We have spoken on the footballfrontaboutwhatIwant from him, and how we need to push him and drive him.”
And there is likely a reluctance on Sunderland’s part to let the striker go when their own attacking options remain limited.
Were Grigg to depart, then it would leave only Ross StewartandAidenO’Brienasrecognised senior strikers.
It’s a position the club are looking to address – but until they do, it seems unlikely that Grigg will depart.
WHAT LOOKS MOST LIKELY NOW?
It looks increasingly unlikely that Grigg will leave Sunderland before the transfer window closes – given the potential exit routes that have appearedtocloseandtheBlack Cats’ own attacking predicament.
Theball,then,isinthestriker’s court.
He may well get a chance in the next few weeks, and then it will be down to him to take it.