7-goal striker will surely be glad he didn’t join Sunderland on deadline day.
Sunderland made numerous attempts to sign a new front man in January, but they were eventually unsuccessful.
The results of Sunderland’s January recruitment effort remain uncertain.
The Black Cats signed Romaine Mundle from Liege, Leo Hjelde from Leeds United, and Calum Styles on loan from Barnsley with an option to buy.
Fans have given all three mixed reviews.
Hjelde and Styles, in particular, began well but have subsequently slowed, whilst Styles began poorly but has since improved.
There is still a lot of hope for ex-Spurs player Mundle, who hasn’t been seen much since making the transition in January.
However, the Black Cats are suffering the price for their failure to hire a striker.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman previously confirmed that the club’s two striker bids were rejected in January.
Sunderland agreed to sign Kieffer Moore and Jay Stansfield in January, but both moves fell through.
One man will be glad he didn’t join Sunderland
If Sunderland had acquired a striker in January, especially a prolific one, their current situation may be considerably different.
Michael Beale may still be in command, and the Black Cats might move up the league standings.
Despite a terrible season, Mike Dodds has had to make up for it with little resources.
Sunderland have had to watch their season unfold as long-term target Moore has excelled for Ipswich Town.
Since joining the Tractor Boys on loan from Bournemouth, the Welshman has scored seven goals in 17 Championship games. Town swooped in at the last minute to sign the 31-year-old from Sunderland.
And now Ipswich is on the verge of promotion to the Premier League.
They only need a point against 23rd-place Huddersfield Town at Portman Road this Saturday to settle their fate, and Moore’s impressive loan spell may entice Ipswich to make a permanent move.
Moore’s relocation has therefore proven to be extremely beneficial.
After Sunderland’s terrible performance, he may be grateful to have joined Ipswich Town instead of coming to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland may still be in the Kieffer Moore race
Moore is under contract with Bournemouth until 2025.
With the Cherries flying high and expected to restock in the summer transfer window, Moore may fall even further out of contention, and given his contract, Bournemouth may be eager to cash in.
Ipswich Town’s attitude on a permanent move, should they be promoted, may be questioned; while he could be a valuable addition, Ipswich Town may desire more and better if they reach the riches of the Premier League.
As a result, Sunderland may be able to sign Moore this summer.
Despite his age, Sunderland clearly likes him, and his scoring record for Ipswich Town will have helped his prospects of leaving Bournemouth in the summer.
It will depend on money; whether Sunderland can get a decent deal on the price and his salaries; but, with the Black Cats likely to sell a handful of players this summer, there may be place in the budget for Moore.
It could finally address Sunderland’s striker issues in the Championship.
Leave a Reply