The Japan international could be just what Sunderland need next season.
According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web, Keisuke Honda will leave AC Milan this summer with either England or America likely to be his next destination.
The report cites Sunderland’s recent interest, along with that of Hull City, and while much will depend on which division those sides find themselves in next season, there is no doubt Honda would go down a storm at the Stadium of Light if he played to his full potential.
The 30-year-old still has a few years left in him and while Sunderland fans will not want to contemplate the possibility, he may actually be of more benefit if the Black Cats drop into the second tier next season, such is his innate ability.
Honda will also be intent on making up for lost time after falling down the pecking order at Milan this season, spending the majority of his time as an unused substitute.
Predominantly a right-sided midfielder but able to occupy any attacking position in the middle third of the field, Honda can score and create and he would be the added sparkle Sunderland would need to either kick on next season or fight their way back into the top flight at the first time of asking if this season’s survival bid falls short.
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