Sunderland failed to snap up Plymouth Argyle’s Freddie Ladapo in January.
Sunderland are preparing for their play-off campaign, starting with Saturday’s game against Portsmouth as they attempt to return to the Championship.
Jack Ross wasn’t able to win automatic promotion, in fact, he only managed to finish fifth. Sunderland will now need to go up via the lottery of the play-offs, meaning transfer plans are on hold.
Regardless, another striker will probably be targeted. Yes, Will Grigg was brought in during the January transfer window, but Charlie Wyke is the only other recognised striker at the club, with loanee Kazaiah Sterling set to head back to Tottenham.
Adding some athletic ability would be ideal, as neither Grigg or Wyke are going to threaten anybody with pace, and January target Freddie Ladapo may still fit the bill.
The Plymouth Herald reported that Sunderland failed with a £400,000 bid for Plymouth Argyle hitman Ladapo in January, but they may have been given a golden chance to land him now.
Plymouth suffered relegation on Saturday, meaning they’ll be playing in League Two next season. After 19 goals for Plymouth this past season, 26-year-old Ladapo may have ambitions of at least returning to League One, potentially even higher.
Ladapo’s strength and turn of pace would fit Sunderland well, and regardless of what division they find themselves in, they must look to Ladapo once again this summer.
Even just bringing a player of his ability off the bench could give Sunderland a new dynamic, especially with Grigg blowing hot and cold so far – and returning with that same £400,000 bid may just give relegated Argyle something to think about.
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