Sunderland are having some troubles in the transfer market this summer.
Sunderland have had a very testing 2024, and a very testing summer.
The back-end of the 2023/24 season was extremely disappointing for the Black Cats under Mike Dodds, who eventually finished in 16th place of the Championship table.
Sunderland appointed Regis Le Bris in the summer after a four-month search process to find Michael Beale’s permanent successor, and whilst Le Bris has shown some good signs so far, matters in the transfer market have been less-than-impressive.
Once again, Sunderland need a striker. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman outlined Sunderland’s plans to sign a striker earlier this summer but so far, not a single one has arrived at the Stadium of Light.
A number of names have been linked; Alexandre Mendy and Ike Ugbo to name a couple, and Divin Mubama too.
The released West Ham striker has been linked with Sunderland all year. But now, Mubama is set to sign for Manchester City, dealing yet another transfer blow to the Black Cats.
Why Divin Mubama to Manchester City will worry Sunderland officials
At one point, it was claimed that Sunderland were leading the race to sign Mubama.
But the link went cold. Mubama now looks set to sign for Premier League giants City in what is a surprising move from both parties.
And whilst a move to Premier League and European champions City will be enticing for many, there’s a growing sense among a lot of young footballers that game-time is more important.
Mubama is obviously going to be limited for game-time at the Etihad. Whereas a move to the Stadium of Light would’ve seen Mubama playing most every week, and later down the line, it may be a decision he’ll come to regret.
As for Sunderland, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Speakman too, the fact that Mubama has opted to join City, and likely their youth team, rather than move to a Sunderland side famed for developing youngsters and famed for showing faith in youngsters, is worrying.
Have Sunderland lost their pull in the transfer market
Sunderland have made some decent signings this summer; Alan Browne and Ian Poveda are impressive signings, whilst Simon Moore looks like a good back up for Anthony Patterson.
Though it wouldn’t be surprising if players don’t look as fondly upon the Black Cats as they might have done last year, or the year before.
A lot has happened at the club since. Their expectations may have been checked and Sunderland may no longer be the most attractive option for young players like Mubama, or maybe even more experienced ones.
Still, it’s surprising to see Sunderland miss out on a deal for Mubama after it was reportedly close, and given the game time that Mubama would’ve gotten and so on.
It could be a one-off, and it could be that Mubama has chosen City because he genuinely thinks it’s a better career path, or even because of money.
But this was a move that looked nailed on for Sunderland, and missing out is certainly a worry.
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