The 19-year-old showed promising development in last season’s Championship campaign and rumours of the Sunderland winger leaving still circulate.
Joel Asoro was one of the very few Sunderland players to come out of the 2017/18 Championship campaign with any amount of credibility.
The 19-year-old Swede not only ended the season well – scoring a wonder-goal against play-off winners Fulham – but also performed throughout the campaign when many players did not.
And, after a good season with Sunderland, it comes as no surprise that up to five Premier League clubs are rumoured to have an interest in the youngster according to the Daily Star Sunday (page 49).
Championship winners Wolves and local rivals Newcastle are just two of the said five teams who have allegedly added Asoro to their shortlist.
However, as much as the thought of Premier League football is likely to excite Asoro, the youngster should remain on Wearside.
Football fans have seen on too many occasions a young prospect from the lower leagues or an academy graduate rushed into a first team and their confidence destroyed after a tough start to life at the top.
And at only 19, with the opportunity to develop his ability at a club like Sunderland in a league which is very physical, Asoro would be best off at the side that gave him his chance in England.
New owner Stewart Donald and new manager Jack Ross will both play a role in persuading the youngster to stay at Sunderland and sign a new deal, with his current contract only having a year left.
The thought of travelling to some of the not so glamorous football grounds in England and being kicked from pillar to post by lower league veterans may not be something that appeals to Asoro.
But we saw last season just how much the man from Stockholm improved, and that will likely happen again if he chooses to steer away from the bright lights of the Premier League and stick with Sunderland.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
