Sunderland need to be clever in the transfer market – so the emergence of local-lad Michael Ledger could hardly be better timed.
Only ten clubs in Europe have a higher level of debt than recently relegated Sunderland, as reported by The Chronicle. Therefore, any hopes manager David Moyes may have had of investing heavily in the squad during the summer to plot an immediate return to the Premier League may already be dashed.
Especially when you consider that reported targets, like Barnsley’s no-nonsense centre-back Marc Roberts, is reported to be valued at around £5 million, as reported by The Sun.
Consequently, the cash-strapped Black Cats may be forced once again to embrace the make-do-and-mend approach that ultimately condemned them to relegation after five years of great escapes.
And this is where 19-year-old defender Michael Ledger comes in. With Moyes handing opportunities to the likes of Lynden Gooch, George Honeyman and the now-crocked Duncan Watmore, the Consett-born youngster appears the next in line.
Ledgend in the making?
Ledger has not yet made his league bow in Sunderland colours but did appear on the substitute’s bench in January’s red herring 2-2 draw at Liverpool. However, after making a short-term switch to Norwegian outfit Viking Stavanger in January, he has more experience under his belt ahead of an expected return to Wearside.
“Sunderland have been here for a visit and seen Michael in action,” Viking coach Ian Burchnell told Dagsavisen. “It’s quite possible Sunderland will need Michael in the Championship this autumn.
“He’s in any case already playing at League One level. How many 19-year-olds without a single senior game under their belt go right in and play the way he does? It’s very impressive.”
With John O’Shea out of contract, Jason Denayer only on loan and Lamine Kone likely to be the subject of Premier League interest, Sunderland are crying out for defensive reinforcements.
Though Ledger’s emergence could save them some much-needed funds.
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