The Royals need more fire power next season if they are to nudge themselves ahead of the Championship pack and Sunderland may have done them a favour.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe in action with Bournemouth’s Junior Stanislas
Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe has certainly had better seasons than the one just ended, but with his release by the Black Cats offering the chance of new challenge, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old could make an immediate impact in the Championship – if he can find the right club. One such outfit could be Reading who have the basis of a title-challenging side, but perhaps lack a couple of individuals to get them over the line next time.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe reacts
Looking around the players in key striking partnerships that do well in the Championship, it’s not unfrequent to see a very versatile striker and a box finisher in the side as a partnership. Reading have a clever forward in Yann Kermorgant, who holds play up and brings other into the game, but now 35-years-old, it is a big ask for him to feature all season. It is clear Reading need an experienced back up slash alternative.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe can be an impact player in the Championship
Just the man?
Anichebe hasn’t played outside the Premier League yet, but his style would be well suited to the tough, gruelling Championship. The Nigeria international is a bustlingly strong attacker who can hold off two defenders at once. He makes space for himself and wins headers for fun; so why haven’t Championship clubs been falling over each others to offer him a contract?
The reality is his patchy goalscoring form and injury issues. He scored three goals in 11 league games for Sunderland last season, with a knee injury scuppering his plans to help the Black Cats get out of trouble. But there is no denying that he looked a handful alongside Jermain Defoe before his injury.
Reading will surely be looking to make quality signings to go at least one better than their third place finish in 2016/17 – if Anichebe can convince them of his fitness, he could be just the ticket.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe celebrates scoring their third goal
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