Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman insists they are relaxed about the striker situation at the club, as he explained that they didn’t want to overpay in January.
Michael Beale has had a mixed start since he was named as Tony Mowbray’s successor, and the club didn’t bring in a natural number nine in the window.
Mason Burstow, Nazariy Rusyn and Luis Semedo were all signed in the summer, but they have just two league goals combined so far. Therefore, many felt a striker had to be the priority in January.
So, there was some disappointment that the club failed to get a deal over the line, with the spotlight turning to Speakman.
Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland transfer stance
Yet, speaking to the BBC, the key Sunderland figure outlined why they didn’t get a new striker through the door, as he discussed the difficulties of the winter window, along with a reluctance to go for a player that wasn’t a top target.
“The nine position is very similar to the rest of them in which you have three or four targets that you obviously have to try to prioritise. I think the forward position is always an area you want to try and strengthen and improve if you can.
“We went right down to the wire on three or four of them and then at the end of it, you know, it wasn’t meant to be for various reasons. Availability and ultimately choice.
