BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman talks to Head coach Regis Le Bris (R) during a Pre Season Friendly match between Bradford City and Sunderland at Coral Windows Stadium, Valley Parade on July 30, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Kristjaan Speakman has been a divisive figure among Sunderland fans in the past.
Right now though, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is largely earning praise for the business he’s helped to oversee at the Stadium of Light this summer.
Sunderland signed nine new players during the summer transfer window, with four players arriving on deadline day.
Regis Le Bris’ first-team squad is looking well-stocked for the run-in to New Year.
And it’s been a very positive start to the 2024/25 season as well, with Sunderland in 1st place of the Championship table after four wins from four.
It comes after a testing summer for the club, with the Sunderland owners and Speakman facing heavy criticism at one point for the prolonged seas to find Michael Beale‘s permanent successor.
Speakman plays a key role in the decision-making at Sunderland. But it appears many have a false view of just how much of a say he has in the transfer process.
Kristjaan Speakman discusses Sunderland transfer policy and decision-making
Many have the assumption that Speakman, being the sporting director, has the majority of power when it comes to deciding who the club signs in the transfer market.
