Sunderland striker target reveals why January Black Cats move broke down | OneFootball

Sunderland striker target Andras Nemeth has revealed he opted to join Hamburg instead as he felt his development was better served with the Bundesliga.2 club.

According to The Sunderland Echo, the 20-year-old was a key target heading into the window but despite holding talks with the Black Cats opted to join the German side instead.

Speaking to HSV24, the Hungary international revealed why he opted for a move to Hamburg, which ultimately caused the breakdown of a potential Sunderland deal.

He said: “It was very concrete with Sunderland. But I made the decision to come to Hamburg because I think the project here is better for me and my development.”

Due to his expiring contract, Hamburg were able to land Nemeth for a fee in the region of €750,000 (£670k) from KRC Genk.

He’s made a fast start to life in Bundesliga.2, scoring once in just five minutes of football.

Sunderland signed Joe Gelhardt in the January window but the season-ending injury to Ross Stewart and Everton’s decision to recall Ellis Simms means the Leeds United loanee is now Tony Mowbray’s only striker.

The Black Cats ninth in the Championship after their 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday.

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The Verdict

Nemeth has the right to make decisions on his future based on what is best for him but Sunderland fans may well feel frustrated at this reasoning.

Lots has been made of Mowbray’s record at developing young players and plenty are flourishing at the Stadium of Light right now.

Given Stewart’s subsequent injury, Nemeth likely would have seen plenty of game time as well.

The North East club can’t really be blamed for missing out on him but you would question why they didn’t bring in a replacement.