Caleb Ekuban has not been given a shirt number at Leeds for the 2018-19 campaign.
Jack Ross’ next move as Sunderland manager must be to sign a new striker as the Black Cats severely lack fire power – a necessity in their League One promotion bid.
Sunderland have let Joel Asoro leave to join Swansea City, while they are yet to properly replace the physical presence of Lewis Grabban up front. The signing of Jerome Sinclair eases their woes, but another addition is required.
Indeed, Watford’s Sinclair is not your traditional number nine, and is more renowned for plying his trade out wide. A decent loan addition, but Sunderland need a centre-forward that can score 25 goals.
It should convince Sunderland to consider Leeds United striker Caleb Ekuban, after the Ghanaian-born Italian striker was not given a squad number by Marcelo Bielsa’s side for the new season – along with six other first teamers.
Ekuban, 24, managed just 21 appearances for Leeds last season, failing to get any kind of momentum going due to two separate breaks in his foot – as well as the presence of Pierre-Michel Lasogga and the tendency to play one up front.
He only managed two goals throughout the entire campaign, but boasts everything required in a centre-forward. Pace, power, a hard-working determination to hassle as well as being decent in the air.
Ekuban embodies the type of player Sunderland must look to sign before August 9, and a loan move would surely benefit all parties involved. It is clear that Leeds do not want Ekuban, but after one indifferent season, he still deserves a chance.
Loaning him out to Sunderland would give him that chance to prove to those at Elland Road that he has what it takes, as well as helping the Black Cats add a crucial cog in their promotion chain.
A season-long loan to Sunderland is the perfect move for all parties involved.
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