LATEST ON WEARSIDE

The World Cup is almost over and Sunderland’s pre-season schedule is about to kick off, so let’s have a bit of a roundup of the latest news you may have missed while catching up on sleep lost because of England’s early morning victory at the Azteca.

SASSUOLO DEFENDER LINKED

In what has been a quiet start to the summer window, it was reported yesterday by Italian journalist Luca Cilli that Sunderland and Bournemouth could be in for left footed centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.

He seemed to be on his way to Juventus however that deal has stalled and it is believed a Premier League move could be on the cards. With us and the Cherries both in the Europa League, adding depth will be vital to manage the workload of the squads. No bid has been made by either but it seems as if that could be the next port of call if reports are to be believed.

GERAGUSIAN PENS PRO DEAL

This morning it was announced Finn Geragusian signed his first professional contract at the club. There was reportedly a lot of interest in the 18-year-old, who made his international debut for Armenia against Belarus in March, but he has committed his future at the Academy of Light and may end up in and around the senior set up this year with so many games to be played.

ADINGRA EXIT?

Reports in France are suggesting Simon Adingra could be on his way out this summer. Monaco are supposedly pushing for a new loan while Roma, RB Leipzig, Ipswich Town and Hull City are looking at a permanent deal for the Ivorian.

West Ham are also keen but I would imagine their relegation to the Championship might knock them down the pecking order with this one.

Adingra scored just once in 14 league appearances for the Black Cats last season.

MATT CRADDOCK PROMOTED

Matt Craddock will take on the role of Head Professional Development Phase Coach, essentially replacing Graeme Murty, who departed the club in June having led the U21s since October 2022.

Craddock worked alongside Murty as part of his PDP coaching staff last season and is another in-house promotion at the academy following John Hewitson appointment as the Head of Academy.