Sunderland held talks with former KRC Genk striker Andras Nemeth and say him as a ‘key target’ before Hamburg won the race for his signature, according to the Sunderland Echo.
If it wasn’t for a season-ending injury to star striker and top scorer Ross Stewart, Sunderland’s January window would have been viewed as an unquestionable success.
Tony Mowbray, a renowned developer of exciting young talent, had succeeded in reinforcing the Black Cats ranks with a host of talented up-and-comers from the Premier League; raiding Everton an West Ham while landing the ‘special’ Joe Gelhardt on loan from Leeds United.
But then came the news every Sunderland supporter was dreading. Stewart – 10 goals in just 11 Championship starts – would miss the remainder of 2022/23 with an Achilles injury.
Suddenly, Gelhardt goes from exciting squad option to the main man; the only ‘proper’ centre-forward at Mowbray’s disposal. 20-year-old Nemeth could at least have helped alleviate some of the burden on fellow youngster Gelhardt. But, after holding talks with Sunderland, he opted to join the sleeping giants of Hamburg in Germany’s second tier instead.
Sunderland wanted to sign Hamburg striker Andras Nemeth
According to the Echo, Nemeth was a leading target. Sunderland identifying the South Africa-born Hungary international as a ‘potential future star’. But, after holding talks with Nemeth, a player who made 15 Jupiler League appearances for Belgian giants Genk in the first half of the season opted to join a Hamburg side well-placed to secure a long-awaited Bundesliga return.
“Andras is a modern centre-forward,” says HSV sporting director Jonas Boldt. “Who, in addition to his finishing quality, is also characterised by his understanding of the game. We and see him as a player with multifaceted potential.”
“I like the way how HSV plays,” Nemeth adds, having set Hamburg back £900,000. “With up-and-coming players and dominant, attacking football. That, together with the good conversations I had with the coach, absolutely convinced me.
“I want to be a part of it and can’t wait to meet the fans in this incredible stadium.”
Sunderland are still in play-off contention; just four points off local rivals Middlesbrough in third. But, after seeing Ellis Simms depart before losing Stewart, their firepower now feels worryingly diminished.
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