Thom Haye admits he will consider a move away from Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen ahead of a potential move to the Championship with Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland.
At the age of 28, the former Netherlands U21 international would represent something of a change of tack, as far as Sunderland’s transfer market activity is concerned.
The Black Cats have made exciting, up-and-coming youngsters their top priority during the Kristjaan Speakman era. A case in point; of the four players Sunderland have signed so far this summer – Nectarios Triantis, Luis Semedo, Jenson Seelt and Jobe Bellingham – the oldest is just 20 years of age.
Thom Haye, then, is not exactly the typical Sunderland signing. But perhaps that’s the point. A player capable of adding some valuable experience to a rather callow dressing room.
Sunderland like Eredivisie ace Thom Haye
Frisian publication LC report that Sunderland, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse, could offer Haye a change of scenery as he enters the final 12 months of his Heerenveen contract.
And the Amsterdam-born playmaker is not ruling out a move this summer, albeit without mentionig Sunderland by name.
“That is also something that I said when I came to Heerenveen,” Haye tells ESPN when discussing a potential move away from the Eredivisie.
“I know things are going on. Going into names (with other clubs) doesn’t make much sense. There is a lot of interest in the background. It’s difficult in terms of price at the moment.
“I look at it calmly. I have the ambition to take the step, but only if it is a good step and everything falls into place.”
A talented, ball-playing midfielder with a powerful long-range shot, Haye scored three goals and set up six more last term as Heerenveen finished in the European play-off spots.
At Sunderland, the former NAC Breda man could potentially offset the ongoing injury-enforced absence of one of the club’s most experienced and influential players; Corry Evans.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
