Will Still is now available after departing Reims on Thursday, amidst ongoing speculation linking him to clubs such as Sunderland and West Ham.
Sunderland could be in for a significant boost this summer following Still’s sudden departure from Reims. The 31-year-old, who has been linked with Sunderland throughout the season and is reportedly the preferred choice of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, has garnered attention on social media for his unconventional path to management.
Despite impressing by guiding Reims to a 19-game unbeaten streak and a comfortable 11th place in Ligue 1, Sunderland fans appear to be having second thoughts about his potential arrival at the Stadium of Light.
Still’s exit from Reims after a three-game losing streak, coupled with his limited experience, may raise doubts about his suitability, despite the absence of a £4.27 million compensation fee for Sunderland. While Still is reportedly interested in the Sunderland job, his past actions at the French club could give Sunderland reason to proceed with caution this summer.
Rumors linking Will Still to Sunderland stir unrest at Reims.
Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot recently disclosed that the club’s situation has become a “nightmare” since Sunderland’s interest in Still surfaced. Caillot expressed frustration, stating, “Every week we tell ourselves that we’re going to get back on track, but nothing works.
” Reports emerged in December suggesting Still’s potential talks with Sunderland officials following Tony Mowbray’s sacking, but Still denied these claims, clarifying that he was in London visiting his girlfriend. He further expressed his aspiration to manage in the Championship in an interview with The Athletic, stating, “I would work for a Championship team without a problem.
” Last month, Still was spotted in London, attending the Chelsea vs Everton game at Stamford Bridge. These events over the past six months culminated in Still and Reims parting ways, with the club remaining in the same table position as last season and now facing a financial setback of £4.27 million.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus faces a difficult decision ahead.
The circumstances surrounding Still’s departure from Reims appear both convenient and unclear. His previous comments about managing in the Championship and reports of discussions with Sunderland, regardless of his reasons for visiting London, suggest that his focus may have shifted some time ago.
Reims’ recent drop in form, winning only two of their last 14 games across all competitions, mirrors Sunderland’s struggles. However, for a manager to openly express a desire to work in another league shortly after reports of talks with a club in England may be seen as somewhat disrespectful.
While Reims provided him with opportunities and supported him financially during his UEFA Pro License studies, it’s possible that Still had been considering leaving the club for several months, as suggested by the timing of his departure.
If Sunderland were to appoint Still, there is no guarantee that similar issues won’t arise in the future. Despite his youth and rapid rise in the managerial ranks, there are inherent risks associated with this potential appointment, suggesting that it may be prudent to avoid it for now.