The £7.5 million striker is likely feeling remorseful for not choosing to sign with Sunderland last summer. Despite Sunderland being linked with numerous strikers during that transfer window, they ended up acquiring three players. However, none of these signings have made a significant impact, leaving the Black Cats once again prioritizing the acquisition of forwards in the upcoming transfer window.
Kristjaan Speakman succeeded in bringing in Luis Hemir, Nazariy Rusyn, and Mason Burstow last summer, but collectively they’ve only managed to score three goals in the Championship this season. In January, despite the ongoing need for forwards, Sunderland did not secure any deals for strikers.
With Jack Clarke sidelined due to injury for the past five matches, Sunderland has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in three of those games. Among the players linked with Sunderland last summer was Tom Cannon, who had attracted attention after an impressive loan spell at Preston North End, where he scored eight goals in 20 Championship appearances.
Leicester City eventually signed Cannon for £7.5 million, a move that Sunderland may have been able to afford had they planned their transfer strategy better. Sunderland’s expenditure last summer exceeded £10 million, with questionable spending on players like Hemir, Rusyn, Eliezer Mayenda, and Timothee Pembele.
Had Sunderland pursued Cannon earlier, they might have secured him for a lower fee than what Leicester paid. Now, as the season draws to a close, Cannon may rue not joining Sunderland, where he could have been a key figure up front.
Despite his signing with a back injury and limited playing time at Leicester, Cannon has only made 12 appearances in the Championship this season, scoring two goals. In contrast, at Sunderland, Cannon would likely have been a prominent figure in the team, given his track record at Preston.
The injury to Clarke has highlighted Sunderland’s lack of attacking prowess, underscoring the need for reinforcement in that area during the upcoming transfer window. Someone like Cannon, possibly available on loan if Leicester earns promotion, could be a valuable addition to bolster Sunderland’s attacking options.
