Sunderland have rode their luck in recent years by flirting with relegation before pulling off a miraculous escape in the final months of the campaign to retain their status in the top-flight.
This year, though, things could be different. Just one win in eleven Premier League matches leaves the Black Cats rock-bottom of the table and David Moyes’ side have shown little to suggest that they can turn things around.
Come May, Sunderland could find themselves as a second-tier club, potentially swapping places with arch-rivals Newcastle United, and things could be made even more difficult in the January transfer window if some of their better players jump ship.
With the danger of relegation present, Sunderland’s stars won’t want a drop in division placed on their CV and better members of the squad will surely look for an exit route in order to fulfil their potential.
Here, we’ve identified THREE names in this Sunderland side who need to move on for the benefit of their career.
Jordan Pickford
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has featured for England’s youth sides from U-16 right up until the senior squad and has the capability to become first choice for his national side in the coming years. To do that, leaving Sunderland is necessary.
When everyone is fit, Vito Mannone is considered No.1 at the Stadium of Light so there is really no point in Pickford staying, as he can become first choice elsewhere. Competition for places at any Premier League side is severe but there’s certainly a place for him somewhere.
Wahbi Khazri
The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impression this season but, after signing for the Black Cats in January, the Tunisian ace played a crucial role in Sunderland’s escape from relegation last term – scoring against Manchester United and Chelsea, whilst putting in a Man of the Match performance in a 3-0 win over Everton.
Seven appearances this term in the Premier League, three of which have been off the bench, show Khazri’s influence has been minimal. However, he’s shown in the past that he can be a big player in the Premier League and a transfer could see him become a top name in the top flight.
Duncan Watmore
At 22-years-old, Duncan Watmore is a shining light in an otherwise gloomy Sunderland side and has made 23 Premier League appearances. Boasting nine caps for England’s U-21s, the youngster needs to make the right call on his future.
It’s a difficult one for Watmore as he’s featured in all of Sunderland’s Premier League games this season. Regular first-team football at his age is crucial and he’s getting that at on Wearside, but at some point in the future he will outgrow the side.
It could be a couple of years yet, but staying in the top flight is crucial for Watmore, so long as he retains regular first-team football.
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