Football League World
·15 January 2022
Football League World
·15 January 2022
Sunderland manager Lee Johnson says he remains confident that the club can retain the services of their key players this month, amid speculation around striker Ross Stewart.
This season has seen Stewart emerge as a key player for the Black Cats, with the 25-year-old scoring 18 goals in 26 league games so far this season.
That has led to reports claiming that Championship side Swansea City are taking an interest in the striker during the January transfer window.
Now however, it seems that Johnson is confident that Stewart, and other key members of Sunderland’s side, will not be leaving the Stadium of Light this month.
Speaking about those claims surrounding the future of Stewart and others, Johnson was quoted by The Sunderland Echo“I think one of the parts of a successful window that people undervalue is retaining your best players.
“I’ve had more experience than most in terms of losing my best players in the transfer window. I’m really confident in the discussions we’ve had internally, that we’ll hold on to our best players.
“I think that should be celebrated.It means that if someone does go, then a fee has been paid that is well above market value.”
As things stand, Sunderland are currently second in the League One table, one point clear of the play-off places, ahead of their trip to the Wham Stadium to face 11th-placed Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon.
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The Verdict
These comments from Johnson should be a big relief for those of a Sunderland persuasion.
Given the position they are in now, this is a big opportunity for the Black Cats to finally end their long wait for a return to the Championship this season.
As a result, keeping hold of their key players this month will be vital for Sunderland, as their influence will be hugely important to their push for a return to the second-tier.
With that in mind, this feels like it is something of a statement of intent from Johnson and his side, who will be looking to bounce back quickly this afternoon after that midweek defeat to Lincoln.