Sunderland are looking to bring in new additions to the first-team squad following Regis Le Bris’ appointment and have identified a former Premier League midfielder to bolster their midfield department.
Prior to Le Bris being announced as Michael Beale’s permanent successor, only one new signing was brought to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats acquired ex-Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore after his three-year stay with fellow Championship side Coventry City had drawn to a close.
While Moore’s arrival has been the club’s only signing of the summer window so far, there have been strong rumours circulating, linking the Wearside outfit with a number of plausible acquisitions. The latest name to be linked with a move to Sunderland is Oliver Norwood, who has recently left Bramall Lane after five years with the South Yorkshire side upon the expiry of his contract.
According to journalist Michael Graham, Sunderland hold “very serious interest” in the 33-year-old following his release from Sheffield United. However, Graham has also revealed that Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion and Watford are keen to sign the experienced midfielder.
Norwood has had an incredible career in England’s second tier, having earned promotion to the Premier League on four separate occasions with three different clubs. In fact, from 2017-2019, he managed to be on three different promotion teams at Brighton, Fulham and eventually Sheffield United, playing top-flight football with the latter for the first time in his career. Sunderland, West Brom and Watford will be hoping Norwood is a good omen as the trio battle it out next season for a return to the promised land.
Writer’s View
Norwood can be described as somewhat of a master of the Championship, having made 381 appearances in the division. However, following his penultimate promotion to the top tier of English football back in 2019, he also now has 97 Premier League caps to add to his CV.
Sunderland are looking to bolster their depth in the middle of the park with quality, especially if Jobe Bellingham leaves the club this summer. Winning the race for Norwood would go a long way in improving the side’s chances of promotion next season.
