Sunderland legend Gordon Armstrong has now named the key ‘problem’ at the club that needs fixing this summer.
Sunderland fans were left relieved when the 2023/24 campaign came to an end last weekend.
The Black Cats had endured a forgettable season, finishing in 16th place after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on the final day.
Sunderland are now under great pressure to find a new head coach this summer, with Mike Dodds having taken interim charge since February.
The Black Cats have been on the decline since they reached the Championship play-offs this time last year, and now the club face the challenge of turning things around again.
Bringing in a suitable manager will be their priority, but their transfer activity will also be vital.
The Wearside outfit have come under huge criticism for their recent dealings in the transfer window, with only four of their 14 signings this season over the age of 23.
They also offloaded a number of their more experienced players in Danny Batth, Alex Pritchard, Lynden Gooch and Ross Stewart.
Reports have also claimed they won’t be offering Corry Evans and Bradley Dack new contracts either.
Gordon Armstrong explains ‘key’ problem at Sunderland
Gordon Armstrong has now explained the key ‘problem’ Sunderland need to fix before the new season.
Speaking to theSunderland Echo, he said: “It’s not rocket science at the end of the day. If you have a striker who scores 20, 25 goals it’s certainly a big help.
“Our strikers, the maximum anyone has scored is Rusyn with two. It’s been a problem there is no doubt about it.
“Listen, the club has got a model and way to do things, I understand that, but you still have to have one or two players with experience in there in my opinion. Also I think the holding midfield role has been key to us as well. Corry Evans has missed most of the season and we’ve needed someone like that to just maybe get hold of the ball a little bit, bully people and get stuck in.”
Sunderland need to target 22-goal striker
Sunderland need more experience and leadership all over their squad, but the need for a proven goalscorer has been glaringly obvious for over a year now.
With the Wearside outfit set to lose a number of key players this summer, they desperately need to go all out for a striker, and that man should be Lawrence Shankland.
While it is unclear how much Hearts will demand for the 28-year-old, transfermarkt currently believe he is valued at £2.16 million.
ThePFA Scotland Player of the Year has 46 goals in his last two seasons in the Scottish Premiership, while he has 204 goals in 415 matches in his whole career.
It could certainly be a move worthy of the money they will have to cough up, but it is hard to believe that Sunderland will splash the cash this summer.