Sunderland are in desperate need of a new striker signing this summer.
Just like last summer, Sunderland need another striker.
But fans will be praying that Kristjaan Speakman doesn’t solely scour Europe for some unproven and ultimately misfiring strikers.
Last year the club signed Nazariy Rusyn and Luis Hemir, also bringing in Mason Burstow on loan; all three unproven in the Championship, with just three league goals between them this season.
Whoever the next Sunderland manager is needs to find a replacement for the long lost goals of Ross Stewart, though it’ll be easier said than done.
But the club could look towards one of their former greats for some inspiration; Jermain Defoe who scored 37 goals in 100 Sunderland appearances.
A player with his qualities would perhaps be suited to the modern game, and here we look at three Defoe-like strikers who Sunderland could potentially sign this summer…
Sammie Szmodics
Blackburn Rovers hotshot Szmodics is the Championship’s leading scorer so far this season with 21 goals and three assists to his name.
After his five-goal haul in the Championship for Rovers last time round, nobody would’ve thought he’d be in line for the Golden Boot this year.
But playing as a no.9 instead of a wide player, he’s unlocked a new lease of life, showcasing his qualities as a really aggressive poacher-type striker who never lets defenders rest.
With Blackburn struggling and potentially going down, the 28-year-old Szmodics could be eyeing up a new challenge.
As per Transfermarkt, he’s valued at £4.5million.
Ike Ugbo could be a new Sunderland hero
Sheffield Wednesday January signing Ike Ugbo perhaps epitomises all that was great about Defoe; he’s a real livewire for the Owls and a huge threat inside the penalty area, with all six of his Wednesday goals having come from inside the box.
He’s on loan from Ligue 2 outfit Troyes who are struggling for form and potentially getting relegated as well, so the in form Ugbo could be looking for a new challenge.
With the correct service, Ugbo could be the final piece in the Sunderland puzzle; he looks dangerous whenever he gets the ball inside the 18-yard box.
As per Transfermarkt, he’s valued at £2.8million.
Duncan McGuire
The bustling USMNT striker was close to joining both Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday on deadline day last month, eventually signing for Rovers.
But an error in the paperwork meant that he retuned to Orlando City where he’s scored twice in four MLS appearances in this current 2024 campaign.
He scored 13 last time round in what was his first season playing in the top flight of US football, earning plaudits for his natural finishing ability and work-rate.
Like Defoe, McGuire loves to run in behind defenders, being that typical American-athlete type of player, but also boasting great technical and overall attacking ability.
There were several reports of a potential fee for McGuire, though most fell between the £2million and £3million mark.