Before the Barclays Premier League match, the Sunderland flag hits the breeze. (Photo: Matthew Ashton/Getty Images)
Sunderland wants to add more creativity and control to the middle of the park, identifying Fiorentina midfielder Amir Richardson as a target.
The players have linked multiple English clubs in recent seasons, and it is still unclear whether Sunderland will be able to trade on the line. According to a report by Fiorentina News, Black Cats is interested in the 23-year-old midfielder, but may need to be patient. Newly appointed manager Stefano Pioli is not yet ready to sanction the departure when he evaluates the team.
Leicester City was enthusiastic about Richardson last season. Tottenham also kept tabs on the players.
Richardson could improve Sunderland
Richardson works well in Italy and has both the physical and technical attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League. Moving to England’s top flight could be an exciting new challenge for him, and he wants to prove himself.
Having secured promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland is now focusing on building a team that can wake up. They decide to avoid an immediate return to the championship. Signing a player like Richardson represents a sensible long-term investment.
Amir Richardson could thrive in the UK
He has already shown his abilities in Italy and appears to be ready to adapt to British football. Sunderland will need to address the team gap before the new season begins. They already have a talented group of players, but they need deeper depth and experience to survive in the Premier League. Quality jumps from the championship are important, and careful squad buildings will become important in the coming weeks.
Richardson is still quite young and he only gets better in coaching and experience. He was able to develop into a key player for the club. If he can make an impression in Sunderland and the Premier League, he may have the opportunity to join a bigger club in the future.