A deal for this outstanding 21-year-old striker has now been linked to Sunderland ahead of the January transfer window.
Since none of their summer acquisitions have performed well in the Championship, Sunderland needs offensive reinforcements once more.
None of the summer signings, Mason Burstow, Nazariy Rusyn, and Eliezer Mayenda, have scored in the Championship yet. In the team’s most recent match against Hull City, Michael Beale started all three on the bench and positioned Bradley Dack as the number nine.
The Black Cats, however, are reportedly interested in a possible raid for Fulham’s Jay Stansfield, who is presently on loan at Birmingham City, according to Sky Sports writer Keith Downie.
Jay Stansfield is added to the Black Cats’ January shortlist.
After failing to recruit the 21-year-old in the summer, Downie claims that Sunderland is considering a few striker targets before January. Among them is Stansfield.
However, Fulham decided to send him to Birmingham City, where in 21 Championship games, he has scored seven goals.
Under John Eustace, he scored three goals in his first five games for the Blues. However, since Rooney became manager, he has struggled to score, and it now appears like Fulham may terminate his loan early in order to find him a new team for the second half of the season.
However, Downie continued to disclose on X that Stansfield is not a top priority for the Sunderland administration and that no discussions have yet taken place regarding early termination of his loan at Birmingham City.
Marco Silva, the manager of Fulham, called the England U21 striker a “fantastic” talent.
Is Stansfield the solution to Sunderland’s problems at number nine?
Over the previous 18 months, Stansfield has undoubtedly demonstrated his class.
He easily made the transition to the Championship after netting nine goals and grabbing seven assists while on loan at Exeter City in League One the previous season.
Stansfield continues to be their top goal scorer even though he plays for Birmingham City, a team that isn’t doing well, and in a completely different configuration under Rooney.
However, considering Blues’ dismal performance, a move away from St Andrew’s now appears imminent, and Sunderland, who are presently sixth in the Championship league and need a no. 9, appears to be an appealing possible destination for the Englishman.
Though he can play as a no. 10 or on the side, Beale will want him to lead the line, sprint at opponents, grab lost balls, and make runs in behind. He is also a dynamic and adaptable player.
Although it appears that the Black Cats have their sights set on other players, adding Stansfield would undoubtedly strengthen Sunderland’s promotion credentials given he possesses all of those qualities and has demonstrated his abilities in the second tier this season.
However, given the performances Burstow, Mayenda, and Rusyn have shown thus far this season, supporters may not be overly optimistic if the team signs another unproven player from Europe.
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