Kevin Stewart needs a new start after being frozen out at Liverpool – and Sunderland could offer him regular first-team football.
Sunderland owner Ellis Short (right)
Much-maligned Sunderland owner Ellis Short finally broke his silence once the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed two weeks ago. And, unsurprisingly, the American highlighted The Black Cats’ dismal recruitment as one of the major contributing factors to their downfall.
It’s a well-known fact, after all, that Sunderland have only made profits on four of their last 47 signings.
And, of the 13 players brought to the Stadium of Light since the start of last summer, none can be classed as an unqualified success. In fact, only club-record signing Didier N’Dong, plucked from Lorient for £13.5 million (The Guardian), has performed well over a sustained period.
Therefore, the debt-ridden Wearsiders should maybe think twice before spending the fifth most expensive transfer fee in the club’s history for Liverpool midfielder Kevin Stewart.
Sure about Stewart?
Sure, Stewart is only 23 years of age and, just 12 months ago, was publically lauded at every opportunity by Reds’ smitten boss Jurgen Klopp. However, the one-time Tottenham prospect has only been trusted to feature in 18 minutes of Premier League football all season as he tumbled down the pecking order at Anfield.
And, since making his senior debut on loan at Crewe in 2012, he has only made another 30 career league appearances. Therefore, despite the fact that Sunderland’s midfield is in dire need of reinforcement, Stewart remains something of an unknown quantity.
An expensive one at that. Sky Sports claim Sunderland are one of six clubs plotting a summer move. Though The Telegraph’s claims that Liverpool will accept no less than £10 million should perhaps make them reconsider.
There’s little doubt Stewart would add bite and tenacity to a one-paced, soft-centred and ageing midfield. But can they really afford to spend such a fee on a defensive midfielder when a natural-born goalscorer is a must?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
