Former Everton striker Nathan Broadhead ‘would have jumped at the chance’ to re-join Sunderland before his £1.5 million switch to League One challengers Ipswich Town, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Following Everton’s contentious and largely baffling decision to re-call Ellis Simms from his impressive loan spell at Wearside, Sunderland suddenly find themselves in the unenviable position of having just one first-team centre-forward at their disposal with half of the season remaining.
So, when it emerged that Everton were willing to cash in on Broadhead, some were surprised to see Ipswich bring the 24-year-old to Portman Road largely unopposed.
Broadhead, after all, scored 13 times in 27 games on loan at Sunderland in 2021/22.
“He’s had some incredible moments,” said sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said at the time. “And he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. He’s got all the attributes to play at Championship level.”
Broadhead may be doing exactly that in eight months’ time. He joins League One title chasers Ipswich in a £1.5 million deal, following a disappointing stint at Wigan Athletic.
Sunderland opted not to re-sign Nathan Broadhead before he left Everton for Ipswich Town
Sunderland, the Echo says, were certainly aware of Broadhead’s availability. What’s more, the former Wales U21 international would have relished the opportunity to return to the club where he played the best football of his career.
Sunderland, however, are now prioritising younger options, a striker in a similar vein to Simms. The Black Cats may instead bring in another fresh-faced up-and-comer from a Premier League club. Joe Gelhardt, for instance, is potentially available on loan from Leeds. Keep an eye on Brighton’s 6ft 2ins powerhouse Evan Ferguson too.
Perhaps, given Broadhead’s desire for regular first-team football, they also had reservations about bringing in a forward who would likely have looked to challenge talismanic top scorer Ross Stewart. Another Simms-style addition would potentially Mowbray some welcome strength in depth, but without the pressure of a guaranteeing a starting spot.
“I want to help this team get promotion, and score goals in the process,” Broadhead explains (EADT).
“(Coach) Kieran McKenna has the team playing some really good football. That’s something that made me want to come here. Under him, the team is going places. I will work hard to help.”
“He really fits the profile of what we want to bring to the club,” McKenna adds. “And where we want to go.
“(Boradhead’s) a young, talented player physically and technically. He’s very gifted and fits into our playing style very well. He’s also at a stage of his career where he feels like it’s time to find a permanent home.”
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