FLW discusses recent comments made by Kristjaan Speakman regarding Jewison Bennette’s loan deal.
The January transfer window certainly proved to be an interesting one at Sunderland.
Throughout the month, the team was very busy looking for players that could help Mick Beale’s team and the team’s prospects of making the playoffs.
Three newcomers arrived at the Stadium of Light in the end. Callum Styles, Leo Fuhr Hjelde, and Romaine Mundle were these.
The latter joined on a loan agreement with the possibility to make it permanent in the summer, while the first two joined the team permanently.
The sole player leaving on a permanent basis was Alex Pritchard; several other players, including Elliot Embleton, Eliezer Mayenda, Jay Matete, Nectarios Triantis, and Jack Diamond, left on loan.
Jewison Bennette leaves Sunderland on loan
Young sensation Jewison Bennette was another to leave on loan. He spent the rest of the season playing Greek football instead of football at the Stadium of Light, joining Aris Saloniki of the Greek Super League.
Given that the Costa Rican prospect hasn’t played much football for Sunderland this season, a loan departure made sense.
| Jewison Bennette’s career in numbers so far, according to Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Herediano | 35 | 3 | 5 |
| Sunderland | 20 | 2 | 2 |
| Aris Saloniki | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stats correct as of 11/02/2024 | |||
However, it was crucial that he did not go permanently, or with that in mind, considering the moments of brilliance he has shown.
That’s why Bennette and the club will benefit greatly from Kristjaan Speakman’s remarks regarding the deal made late last month.
Kristjaan Speakman comments on Jewison Bennette
The sporting director of Sunderland affirmed last month that there was no long-term buyout option included in the agreement to send Bennette to Greece.
Explaining the thoughts behind the deal, Speakman told the Sunderland Echo: “We want to increase Jewison’s playing opportunities over the second part of the season and provide him the best chance for international selection – through both of these, we create the best conditions for him to return in the summer for our pre-season programme,”
“There is no option or obligation in the agreement to convert it into a permanent move and it’s very much about the player’s development.
“We look forward to supporting Jewison’s progress from afar throughout the next few months.”
Speakman’s comments are good news for Sunderland
This is excellent news for Sunderland moving forwards.
First of all, it’s a definite sign that the team is still interested in Jewison Bennette despite his obvious raw skill.
The 19-year-old is raw yet promising, and he should be able to start to hone his skills with consistent playing time.
Second, though, it also demonstrates the club’s willingness to take the initiative in helping young players develop by arranging loan agreements so they can play regularly elsewhere rather than letting their careers stall.
Bennette could have easily stayed on at Sunderland to play development football and practice in the background, but in the end, that would not have prepared him for the starting lineup the next season.
Granted, the loan to Greece does not ensure that it will either, but it does increase his chances of making an impression in the summer and preseason.
Overall, it appears that the Jewison Bennette contract is advantageous to all sides, and taken as a whole, it shows that Sunderland knows how to nurture their raw but really intriguing young players.
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