According to the reports from Sunderland Echo, Peterborough United’s ace Marcus Maddison has been heavily linked with a move to Sunderland in the past few weeks. It is believed that the Black Cats had a chance to trigger his release clause worth £2.5m. Head of football operations, Richard Hill meanwhile indicated that Sunderland might revisit the deal next summer when Maddison becomes a free agent.
Ross on whether Sunderland will sign Maddison
Manager Jack Ross was asked recently about Maddison’s links to which he replied, ”It’s something that I wouldn’t comment on (whether Maddison is a transfer target). We build up a portfolio, if you like, of players that we believe would be a good fit in certain circumstances. To comment on each and every one of them that is reported via social media – I would be here an awful long time.”
The manager didn’t give much away, but the reports further add that Sunderland might look to sign just one more player before the window shuts down and that player could very likely be a left-back. Therefore a move for the attacking midfielder might have to wait for another season or so.
Is Ross taking the right call?
The Posh ace has been terrific in the last three years at the club as he is the chief playmaker for them. He took the ABAX Stadium by storm ever since his arrival in 2014, and he is currently at the peak of his powers.
The Englishman managed ten goals and 23 assists in all competitions last season. In the 2017-18 campaign, he managed another 23 assists to go with his 12 goals, and in 2016-17, Maddison managed nine goals and 18 assists.
As we can see, the 25-year-old has been a consistent performer and Sunderland might be making a mistake by not going after him in this window. He has already started the season brightly as he has five assists and one goal to his name in 5 appearances. Around a year back, top Championship clubs like Leeds United were also linked with him briefly.
Moreover, Maddison is a versatile player as he can play on the flanks as well. He has decent pace and dribbling skills, but what sets him apart is his final product. The Englishman has got plenty of experience of the League One now, and there is no doubt that he would have been a top signing.
Ross should have gone ahead with this signing in this window itself as that would have boosted their chance for promotion immensely.
