Sunderland reached the play-offs in the 2022/23 season but couldn’t secure promotion. Their shortage of quality strikers was a problem then, and they haven’t fixed it since. They brought in Mason Burstow on loan, and Luis Semedo and Nazariy Rusyn permanently last summer. However, none of them have made a significant impact at the senior level, leaving Sunderland in a familiar predicament this summer. They need a new striker, preferably one with a proven track record of scoring goals who can make an immediate impact in the Championship.
Considering this, here are three options worth considering for Sunderland…
Joe Taylor from Luton Town may be untested at Championship level, but his performance this season suggests he’s ready for the challenge. With 22 goals and five assists in 45 games, he’s shown his scoring prowess with Colchester United and Lincoln City. Taylor’s intelligence on the field and his knack for finding the net make him a promising prospect for a higher division. The main hurdle for Sunderland could be persuading Luton Town to part ways with him, as his impressive season might earn him opportunities at a senior level regardless of the league.
Tommy Conway, currently with Bristol City, has already proven himself in the Championship. As a regular starter for his club, Conway’s contract is due to expire in 2025, potentially making him an attractive target for Sunderland. Although signing him might come with a hefty price tag, the 21-year-old fits Sunderland’s recruitment strategy, with plenty of room for development. He could become a mainstay in their lineup for years to come or bring in significant profit in the future.
Milan Smit, playing for SC Cambuur, presents a more unconventional option. Despite his youth, Smit has established himself as a prolific scorer in the Netherlands, netting 23 goals and providing five assists in 38 games. While Cambuur won’t be promoted to the Eredivisie, Smit’s impressive goal-scoring record suggests he’s on the rise. He’s versatile, capable of playing as a winger or attacking midfielder, and could be a smart investment for Sunderland, both in the short term and as his value continues to increase.