Last year, Sunderland were preparing for life back in the Premier League.
That almost sounded like a miracle in itself to some. Survival would be seen as a great achievement in their first season back in the top flight. However, the Black Cats are not the ones to settle for these days.
Twelve months on from promotion, the Wearside side are currently spending their days dreaming of where their European journey could take them next season after finishing seventh in the Premier League.
The Europa League and some historic dates await, as does the arrival of some impressive names to match.
Sunderland are making a move to sign the Barcelona talent
No time for a beach trip up to Sunderland. The best way for those on Wearside to enjoy their recent success is to add to it in abundance.
The recruitment took place last summer, as the Black Cats offered plans to break away from relegation woes and more from the get-go. So much so that they may be inventing a cure for the second season syndrome at the same time
Better than Diarra: Sunderland make bid to sign “monster” defender
It is reported that Sunderland is interested in signing a star who can be better than Habib Diarra in the midfield.
There was a time when their recruitment team sat down and named Zlatan Ibrahimović as a target, before pressing play on an EDM track.
Both got endless laughs on Netflix, but it’s Sunderland who have the last word as they look at Barcelona’s exciting talent a few years later.
According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland have been linked with signing Roony Bardghji from Barcelona this summer, with the Black Cats noted as one of a number of clubs, including Leeds, Aston Villa and Everton to make checks with Barca over his availability.
The winger is unexpectedly available after one year in Spain and despite rumors that he would be interested in a loan move, the Catalan club are looking to agree a permanent exit.
This is news that has left the Premier League on alert, including Sunderland, as they look to land one of Europe’s most talented players.
Why Bardghji would be better than Le Fe
Nothing sums up how far Sunderland have come than in their pursuit of Bardghji. The Black Cats are now in the thick of the race to sign the Barcelona player. That sounds absurd to say just one year back in the Premier League, but those at the Stadium of Light deserve full credit.
A player described as “Lamine Yamal-like” by Barcelona chief Deco, Bardghji could be Sunderland’s best signing since returning to the Premier League.
At just 20 years of age, he has the potential to be one of the best in his position in world football, and if that includes a pit stop on Wearside then Sunderland could retain their European status next season.
Depending on the profile, it could be Enzo Le Fee who is in trouble of losing his place under Le Bris. Bardghji will provide development and build a good relationship with Brian Brobbey.
|
25/26 P90 |
Bardghji |
This Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
641 |
2,934 |
|
Goals |
0.14 |
0.15 |
|
It helps |
0.14 |
0.18 |
|
What it takes |
3.09 |
0.40 |
|
Opportunities are created |
1.97 |
1.63 |
Although the Barcelona man can be evaluated on a small scale, it is important to focus on his success. This is a fearless young player who can provide a fresh change in almost any direction.
The Premier League has become more successful in the last 12 months. It has replaced the fearless with robotics, leaving the likes of Rayan Cherki to fight.
So it’s not just Sunderland that needs players like Bardghji. English football needs a player who has been among 94.4% of dribblers in La Liga this season and a player who creates almost two chances per game.
The result will come with the talent, but the talent will only come in minutes. The Swede will get just that on Wearside.
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