Alious
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman made a potentially brilliant transfer decision during the summer transfer window’s deadline day that is now looking increasingly astute. Despite facing criticism for previous transfer choices, Speakman deserves recognition for navigating the notoriously challenging player market.
The most significant move involved rejecting multiple offers from Brighton for 18-year-old winger Tommy Watson. At the time, turning down bids of up to £2 million for a player not regularly featuring in the first team seemed bold. However, Watson has since become a crucial player under manager Regis Le Bris, making the decision appear increasingly shrewd.
While selling Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town on deadline day, Speakman was strategic about retaining promising young talent. Watson has emerged as a key player, recently scoring both goals in Sunderland’s 2-1 Championship victory over Stoke City. His performances have been so impressive that he might even retain his starting position when Romaine Mundle returns from injury.
Speakman’s decision demonstrates a clear belief in Watson’s potential, and if the young winger maintains his excellent form, this transfer choice could be remembered as a defining moment in the club’s recent history. The sporting director’s judgment has transformed what initially seemed like a risky financial decision into what could potentially be viewed as a masterstroke of talent retention.
Alious
