Sunderland look set to miss out on Jack Rudoni as Championship rivals Huddersfield Town agree an initial £800,000 fee for the AFC Wimbledon midfielder, as reported by London News Online.
When it comes to talented attacking midfielders, the Black Cats are hardly short of options.
Alex Neil already has Elliot Embleton, Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil and Alex Pritchard at his disposal, while the exciting, homegrown Jack Diamond has returned to the Stadium of Light after an excellent loan spell at Harrogate Town in League One.
That did not stop Sunderland from making a couple of bids for Rudoni however.
Sunderland and Huddersfield Town wanted Jack Rudoni
According to the Northern Echo, the Wearsiders first expressed their interest in the free-scoring 21-year-old back in January. AFC Wimbledon refused to cash in at the time and understandably so, given they were in the midst of a relegation battle.
Now, having been condemned to the drop after a staggering 26-game winless run, Rudoni’s departure only ever felt like a matter of time, even if manager Johnnie Jackson adopted a hardline stance when discussing his much-coveted forward.
“We ain’t in the business of selling our best young players,” said the former Charlton Athletic coach.
“We understand that everyone has got a valuation. But it would take something substantial – and I mean substantial – to come in. Then we’d consider (selling).
“But, if not, then we won’t look to sell.”
Now, £800,000 is not really anyone’s definition of ‘substantial’. AFC Wimbledon have accepted an initial six-figure bid from Huddersfied Town, albeit as part of a deal that could rise to over £1 million via bonuses. The Dons will also insert a 15 per cent sell-on clause in Rudoni’s Terriers contract.
Frustration for Sunderland, then, after making two failed bids for one of the EFL’s rising stars.
Could the Black Cats now go from a London-born youngster who made his name in the lower leagues to a man who’s career could hardly have unfolded more differently? From South America to Manchester City, via comparisons with Neymar and Sergio Aguero.
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