Premier League will miss one of its most classic derbies i.e. the Tyne-Wear for at least one season with Newcastle United demoted to the Championship while rivals Sunderland somehow managing to just stay up. However, the two clubs could go head to head in the transfer market for the signature of Manchester United outcast Paddy McNair on a season-loan.
Sunderland remain the only Premier League side who are yet to announce themselves in the summer transfer window mostly due to the managerial situation at the stadium of Light. Sam Allardyce was snapped up by the English national team to replace Roy Hodgson and the Black Cats immediately replaced Big Sam with David Moyes.
Premier League’s very own Moysey is back and has a big task on his hands to revive the glory he lost during his days at Manchester United. The Scot failed to do it in Spain with Real Sociedad away from the British media who do not particularly like him and now he has the opportunity to do that at Sunderland.
It’s desperate times for the Black Cats to act in the transfer market to bolster their squad with Premier League all set to kick off in less than two weeks’ time. Two positions where the Wearsiders are in desperate need for players are centre back and right full-back. Paddy McNair, with his versatility, can slot into both positions and would be a smart addition to the squad.
McNair burst onto the scene in the 2014-15 season during an injury crisis at the back under Louis van Gaal. The Northern Irishman took his chance perfectly and was touted as a player for a very long-term future for the Red Devils. However, injuries did not let him grow as much as a player last season as was expected of him and a loan spell away from the club would really benefit the player.
John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul and Lamine Kone are the three central defenders available right now for Moyes and it’s not possible to play a whole season with just three centre-backs. Sunderland also need a right-back who can compete with Billy Jones for a first-team place. McNair being a total utility player, would offer Moyes some breathing space with enough cover for both positions.
The 21-year-old started his career as a holding midfielder but gradually developed into a ball-playing centre back. With a decent pace in his locker and ability to pick out passes, McNair is very well of plying his trade anywhere across the backline. Getting regular game time in the Premier League while on loan will help the youngster to improve as a player and return to his parent club with a stronger bid for a place in Mourinho’s plans.
