Sunderland are in search for reinforcements before deadline day in an attempt to replicate their top six form of last season.
Tony Mowbray’s men have had a slow start to proceedings this time around. Sunderland have lost all three competitive games so far this season and whilst performances have been strong at times, they’ve lacked the cutting edge needed to win games of football.
The Black Cats are still short in attacking areas and that appears their priority this summer. They currently have just one fit striker in their ranks and none with any real senior experience.
Here, we look at two players who could realistically sign for the club in the coming weeks…
Nazariy Rusyn
The 24-year-old Ukrainian attacker is currently playing for Zorya in Ukraine’s top tier.
He scored 13 goals and assisted a further five in 30 league outings last season. He has started this year with one goal in two games but was left out of their squad last weekend with reports emerging since that claim Sunderland have made a bid for the attacker (Via @ZoryaLondonsk).
It is said the bid amounts to between €2-3million with a 20% sell on clause included on the deal. Rusyn has more senior experience than most other Sunderland signings these days, but it still isn’t loads and it isn’t at a level as high as the Championship.
However, he’s played for his national team and his stats are impressive. He could be a handy pickup for Mowbray this summer.
Sydney van Hooijdonk
The 23-year-old Dutch striker scored 16 goals in 33 outings in the Eredivisie on loan last season.
The72 exclusively reported Sunderland were among many other sides monitoring the striker this summer and reports since have claimed a move to the Championship is the most likely option with Sunderland, Southampton and Watford in the race (via @Sunderlandafc11).
Given Sunderland’s striker situation the Black Cats may be the ideal place for van Hooijdonk to develop with plenty game time up for grabs and the real potential of Premier League football in the future.
