One of Sunderland’s January targets could be about to seal a permanent deal with another Championship club.
Sunderland made it a priority to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window due to the limited goal-scoring output from their summer signings. Despite being linked with several strikers and wingers throughout the month, they ultimately secured the signing of Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege.
Mundle, a 20-year-old attacker, joins Sunderland with the aim of challenging existing players like Abdoullah Ba and Patrick Roberts for a spot in the lineup. He could also potentially fill the left-wing position, potentially replacing Jack Clarke if he departs in the summer.
Before landing Mundle, Sunderland had shown interest in Liam Millar, a product of the Liverpool academy who was on loan at Preston North End from Basel. Millar has impressed during his loan spell, scoring three goals and providing five assists. However, Sunderland ultimately decided against pursuing a move for him before the transfer deadline.
Recent reports from the Lancashire Evening Post suggest that Preston North End is in discussions with Basel regarding a permanent transfer for Millar. It’s anticipated that Millar will depart Switzerland in the summer, indicating that Sunderland’s decision not to pursue him may have been influenced by Preston’s negotiations for a permanent deal.
It is thought that Basel could part ways with him for a similar fee to the £1.3 million they coughed up in 2021, though the report admits that Preston could fail to secure a deal if Millar opts to wait until the summer to explore his options.
Could Liam Millar replace Jack Clarke?
It appears that Sunderland’s acquisition of Romaine Mundle has effectively ended any potential interest they had in Liam Millar. Mundle’s arrival, coupled with his promising potential and versatility, suggests that Sunderland may not see the need to pursue Millar, especially if Jack Clarke remains at the club.
Millar primarily operates as a left winger, a position where Mundle could also compete for a starting role. Considering Mundle’s potential and the promise he showed at Tottenham, it’s unlikely that Sunderland would bring him in only to have him settle for a place on the bench.
Additionally, Millar’s statistical record of six goals and eleven assists in 52 games in the English Football League (EFL) might not make him a standout choice to replace Clarke, further diminishing Sunderland’s interest in him.
Sunderland is likely to monitor Mundle’s progress closely, as he is another young player with limited senior football experience. The fact that Tottenham wanted to retain Mundle before his move to Belgium is a testament to his potential, further affirming Sunderland’s decision to prioritize his signing over pursuing Millar.
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