Sunderland Eyeing Reunion With This Leeds United Forward: Why He Would Be A Smart Signing For The Black Cats | OneFootball

If a recent report from Mail Sport is believed to be true, Sunderland are expected to rival Leicester City for versatile Leeds United forward Sam Greenwood. Daniel Farke does not consider him in his long-term plans, and the Whites, therefore, would listen to offers for the former England youth international.

The 23-year-old attacker progressed through the youth setup of Sunderland, his boyhood side, before being roped in by Arsenal for £500,000. Leeds secured his services a couple of years later for £1.5m, and the then-boss Marcelo Bielsa handed him his senior debut in a Cup fixture back in January 2021.

Despite a bit-part role during their previous Premier League tenure, Farke shipped out Greenwood on a season-long loan to Middlesbrough upon his arrival at Elland Road following their relegation to the Championship. He was loaned out again last summer, this time at Preston North End for assured minutes away from West Yorkshire.

Why Sunderland Must Secure His Services This Summer

With 7 goals and 3 assists in 45 outings, his numbers in the Lilywhites’ attack are not overwhelming. But his ability to slot in various positions should boost the Black Cats in the top tier of the English football pyramid. Predominantly a centre-forward, Greenwood has often featured as a ‘number 10’, left-sided attacker and even exhibited his composure as a box-to-box midfielder.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Peter Kioso of Oxford United battles for possession with Sam Greenwood of Preston North End during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Oxford United FC at Deepdale on January 04, 2025, in Preston, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

The youngster was recently spotted in Wearside, participating in a training session alongside Carl Lawson and Rees Greenwood, who also rose through their academy ranks. While the objective must be to work on his fitness before pre-season, a fairy tale return to his homeland can’t be ruled out, considering their financial limitations.

Meanwhile, Leicester City would like to have him this summer in their battle for an immediate promotion. However, experiencing Premier League football with Sunderland should be more fascinating than spending a third successive campaign in the Championship.

A dramatic play-off final win against Sheffield United earned Regis Le Bris’ men a top-flight status after eight long years. But the club might have to rely on player sales in order to bolster the squad. They have already lost two key players in Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson, and invested almost half of their combined transfer fee on making Enzo Le Fée’s loan move permanent.

Nevertheless, a smart business model could save them millions, and Greenwood, who will be a free agent next summer, should be snapped up in a cut-price transfer. He is comfortable in both Bellingham’s and Watson’s roles, as well as a third centre-forward behind Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor