Lee Hendrie has urged Sunderland AFC to build around their top talents this summer rather than selling them on.
The Black Cats’ young squad had been embroiled in a race for automatic promotion for much of the campaign, but the consistency of the likes of Leeds United and Burnley has left them trailing in their wake.
Nevertheless, Regis Le Bris’ side are still well-placed for a top-six finish and should have a play-off spot secured with just a few more wins. This will give them a shot at promotion and many around the club feel that ascension to the Premier League is needed if they are to retain their prized assets.
The likes of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Dennis Cirkin have already begun attracting top-level interest way before the summer. It isn’t just them either, with a whole host of other stars sure to be included on several transfer shortlists in the summer.
A return to the top flight for the first time since 2017 feels more like a necessity than a mere ambition, and if Sunderland are to build around their current squad, securing Premier League status will be crucial.
