Perhaps none of Sunderland’s recent acquisitions of young talent have paid off as well as midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
Over the previous few seasons, Sunderland has acquired a number of young players, and this recruitment strategy has produced differing degrees of success.
Some might be instant hits, some take a little more time to settle in and kick on, while others just don’t pay off. However, one who has become a huge asset at the Stadium of Light is midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
He was a highly regarded talent who had drawn interest from other teams when he joined for St Andrew’s from Birmingham City, but he had not yet established himself as a mainstay. Top teams like Borussia Dortmund are interested in him since he has done that and more on Wearside.
We have identified three midfield players that Sunderland would be advised to seek in the event that they attempt to replicate similar problematic situation in the future.
Lennon Miller – Motherwell
Miller, a Scottish midfielder, has already established himself as a Motherwell mainstay at the age of 18. He has contributed four goals and three assists in 18 games this season, and he has twice served as the team’s captain.
Sunderland might gain an advantage over other elite teams by making an early bid for Miller, who is one of Scotland’s next major stars and appears set for a huge move sooner rather than later.
Because of his versatility in midfield and his quickness, Miller has often been used out wide. The adolescent is already a well-rounded athlete, and with time, he will only improve.
Christos Mouzakitis – Olympiacos
Mouzakitis, a 17-year-old midfielder, is still very much in the early stages of his senior career, but he has already made a significant impact in Greece.
Despite only making his first-team debut in September, he has performed well enough to be called up to the Greek national team for this international break, where he will make his debut on Sunday against Finland.
In the Europa League match against Rangers, Mouzakitis led the midfield and appeared to be much older than his years. Although he may already be beyond Sunderland’s grasp by the time the next transfer window rolls around due to his quick rise, he is still someone to keep in mind.
Sol Sidibe – Stoke City
Not to be overlooked is Sol Sidibe, whose circumstances before his relocation to Sunderland were somewhat similar to Bellingham’s. The adolescent has been a regular member of Stoke City’s squad, but he hasn’t yet established himself.
Given that he is only 17, that is not a concern at all, but the Black Cats have jumped on similar situations in the past and may achieve a similar degree of success with another shrewd deal.
Sidibe is a very gifted midfield player who has already drawn interest from the Premier League, but Sunderland may still be able to sign him given the opportunity to play in the first team.
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