Report: Sunderland’s attitude on permanent move for Barnsley ace Outstanding Man becomes obvious.
Callum Styles’ future at Sunderland has become a little clearer following a fresh discovery.
Styles, 24, joined Sunderland on loan from Barnsley during the winter transfer window, with the option to make the deal permanent.
Styles was generally thought to be a long-term objective for the Black Cats and their sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman.
However, the Hungarian international’s form was inconsistent in his first few weeks at the Stadium of Light.
Mike Dodds was having trouble deciding where to place Styles in the XI, admitting that he didn’t yet know his best position.
Styles, on the other hand, went on to start Sunderland’s final five games of the season, four of which were in the left wing-back position, where he began to thrive.
It was reported in April that Sunderland will likely use the option of making his loan from Barnsley permanent this summer.
New Callum Styles update as Sunderland consider permanent deal
Since the last update in April, little has been mentioned concerning Styles’ future at Sunderland.
However, a new claim from the Sunderland Echo states that ‘there is known to be a considerable length of time to run on the option to make Callum Styles’ loan permanent’.
According to the same source, whomever becomes Sunderland’s next manager may have a say in whether Styles is permanently signed from Barnsley.
As a result, there appears to be no urgency from Sunderland to decide whether or not Styles will continue, with recruiting a new manager being at the top of Sunderland’s priority list.
Why Sunderland may reconsider Callum Styles’ contract
Styles is a manager’s dream: he can play in a variety of positions, is a highly dynamic and aggressive player, and is also of high quality.
However, his time at Sunderland drew mixed reviews. He started poorly but finished strong, yet Speakman and co. may have new doubts about signing Styles to a permanent contract.
Styles was a long-term objective for Sunderland, which may explain why he struggled to get started and why Dodds didn’t know how to use him effectively.
Styles was likely signed for his Championship experience and versatility to play in a variety of positions, rather than with a specific manager or playing style in mind.
And with another new manager on board, it’s unclear where Styles fits in, especially with Aji Alese back and Dennis Cirkin returning to health in the preseason.
The left-back position is rather well-stocked. Styles may be more successful in midfield, but he appears to be more effective on the left, so the team faces a difficult decision.
However, Sunderland still has time to make a decision, and the new manager may have the last word.
