AliousSunderland will return to Championship action this weekend as they host Stoke City at the Stadium of Light, with Régis Le Bris’ side seeking their first victory in six games. Following a string of draws against Coventry City, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers, Millwall, and West Brom, the Black Cats suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United last Friday. They will be determined to break their winless run against Stoke.
Ukrainian Defender Roman Didyk’s Trial
Reports have resurfaced about Sunderland’s near-signing of Ukrainian center-back Roman Didyk in 2022. The defender was reportedly taken on trial by the club but sustained an injury that caused the transfer to fall through. The extent of his trial and how close he was to securing a deal remain unclear.
Now 22 years old, Didyk has recently drawn attention from Championship side Preston North End, who are said to be considering a move for the player.
Matty Young’s Rising Stock
Sunderland loanee Matty Young appears to have solidified his position at Salford City after being handed his first EFL start by manager Karl Robinson. The 18-year-old goalkeeper put on an impressive display during Salford’s 2-0 victory over Harrogate Town in League Two, including a stunning double save in the first half to keep a clean sheet.
Previously serving as backup to 35-year-old Jamie Jones, Young had seen limited league action earlier in the season. Sunderland had been weighing a recall in January due to his lack of game time. However, with Young seemingly becoming Robinson’s first-choice goalkeeper, it is now understood that he is likely to remain at Salford for the rest of the season, provided his starting role continues.
The £15 Million Transfer That Never Happened
Roy Keane and Giorgio Chiellini recently discussed the Italian legend’s failed move to Sunderland in 2007 during an episode of The Overlap.
Reflecting on the past, Keane revealed that Sunderland had been interested in signing a young Chiellini after facing Juventus in a pre-season friendly. Talks reportedly progressed, with a transfer fee of £10-15 million being discussed. Chiellini confirmed he had agreed to personal terms, jokingly stating, “I said yes… but not to Sunderland, to him (Keane)!”
Keane explained that financial disagreements ultimately scuttled the move, humorously noting, “It was all about the agent’s cut back then.” Chiellini, who was playing as a left-back at the time, went on to achieve legendary status at Juventus and Italy, leaving Sunderland to reflect on what might have been.
With stories of past near-misses and current rising stars, Sunderland fans will hope their team can return to winning ways this weekend and continue their push for a strong finish in the Championship.
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