Now that the 2023/24 season has met its end, Sunderland’s scouts were spotted watching a European clash ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Plenty of change is expected at the Stadium of Light over the coming weeks. On top of a new permanent Sunderland manager, many expect the Black Cats’ first team to be revamped over the summer.
Multiple stars have been recently linked away. Chris Rigg is the latest, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly ready to make a move for the youngster.
As a result, replacements will be needed if Sunderland are looking to mount a promotion-push back to the Premier League.
In preparation for this, Sunderland’s scouts were spotted in Portugal as they look to draw up a shortlist of players for the summer.
Sunderland scouts watched Porto vs Boavista
In the Portuguese league, Sunderland’s scouts were reportedly watching Porto vs Boavista on Sunday according to A Bola.
The game ended 2-1 as Porto mounted a late comeback to earn their 21st league victory of the campaign and edge closer to a 3rd-place finish.
It is unclear at this point who Sunderland was scouting during the game. The Black Cats have had recent experience in the Portuguese market. Last summer, they brought in Luis Semedo on a free transfer after his contract with Benfica had expired.
However, it is unlikely that any of Porto’s starters would be willing to transition into the Championship next season.
Therefore, their trip to the continental country may be to view Boavista. The side sits 14th in the league but could dip into the relegation play-off zone going into the final day.
Sunderland and Boavista have done business before when the Black Cats signed Mika in 2016.
Slovakian striker Róbert Boženík is one player who has impressed. The 24-year-old has nine goals and two assists in 30 league games this season as they look to avoid the drop.
Sunderland targets are impossible to pinpoint until a new manager is appointed
It is impossible to decipher who Sunderland were truly looking at during the match until a new, permanent manager is appointed.
Mike Dodds may have suggested targets to the Sunderland owners from his own reports. However, there is no point in targeting anyone until the new boss is through the door.
The incoming manager is likely to have his own targets already in mind and has highlighted his own specific areas in which Sunderland needs to improve.
As a result, it is highly unlikely that any signs will be made until this is sorted.
Luckily, it seems that the hunt for a new manager will soon be coming to an end. It has now been reported that Sunderland are nearly the conclusion of their search ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.