Dan Ballard’s ideal Sunderland replacement should he depart for Everton would be Ronnie Edwards of Peterborough United.
Once more, as Sundland gets ready for yet another Championship season, the summer is promising to be huge.
Plans for Sunderland’s summer transfers
Obviously, the appointment of a new CEO is the first priority for the Black Cats hierarchy, and it will be interesting to watch who they choose.
Though the last year at the Stadium of Light was tumultuous, the Sunderland position will undoubtedly be enticing, and there will undoubtedly be a large number of well-known applicants.
| Sunderland Managers Under Kryil Louis-Dreyfus (as of March 2024) | ||||
| Lee Johnson | ||||
| Alex Neil | ||||
| Tony Mowbray | ||||
| Michael Beale | ||||
| Mike Dodds (Interim) | ||||
Although the next leader will be the centre of attention, summer hiring will be very busy.
Most people agree that Jack Clarke will be moving, since the winger had yet another fantastic season on his own. Premier League teams will definitely make offers for the player.
Sunderland should be interested in acquiring Ronnie Edwards.
However, it’s not just Clarke who may leave; rumour has it that Everton is keeping an eye on Dan Ballard, an important centre back.
The 24-year-old Northern Irish international has been outstanding this season, and if Jarrad Branthwaite is traded, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Toffees made a sizable offer for Ballard.
Of course, Sunderland would prefer to keep Ballard, but realistically speaking, part of the Wearside club’s plan is to not obstruct deals when they become available.
The Black Cats must thus start thinking about Ballard’s replacements, and Ronnie Edwards of Peterborough is a player who meets all the requirements.
The 20-year-old center-back has already played in the Football League for more than 100 games, including a season in the Championship, so he won’t require much time to adjust.
He also matches the profile that Sunderland is looking for considering his age; they have a tendency to select players like Ballard who they can grow into and possibly sell on.
Edwards and the former Arsenal youth share many traits as defenders: both are bold, adept at positioning themselves, and enjoy playing the physical game. He can also bring the ball out, which is another reason for his excellent rating.
Owing to his skills, a few Premier League teams have reportedly expressed interest in Edwards in the past, including West Ham and Newcastle.
You can get first-team football at Sunderland.
Although it is clear that Edwards would benefit from a top-tier move, the fact that he has remained with the Posh over the previous few years indicates that he understands the value of playing every week.
And if Sunderland does make a serious offer for the player, that might give them the upper hand.
Edwards would undoubtedly start for the Black Cats, unlike any Premier League team. Playing well in the Championship will be great for his development, and he will aim to play at the top level for Sunderland.
Fans will be alarmed by the possibility of losing Ballard, and it makes sense.
In the end, though, this is all part of Sunderland’s strategy, and teams like Brentford and Brighton have demonstrated that it is possible to succeed even when selling important players.
If Edwards showed up to take Ballard’s position and make a tidy profit, Sunderland would be off to a strong start in their endeavour.
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