The League One play-off final takes place this weekend, and it may be of interest to Kristjaan Speakman at Sunderland.
Just two years ago, Sunderland were in the League One play-off final themselves, where they beat Wycombe Wanderers to secure their return to the Championship.
And despite the poor showing from Sunderland in 2023/24, the idea of the club returning to League One any time soon feels quite distant.
But Speakman and co need to ensure they hire the right manager this summer and sign the right players in the transfer market, as the season just gone has highlighted the increasing quality of the second tier.
There’s players being linked with a possible move to the Stadium of Light ahead of the summer with Sunderland looking like their focussing on attacking players.
Names such as Chris Willock and Ian Poveda have been linked so far, and the Black Cats may need a new goalkeeper with Anthony Patterson wanted by Sheffield United.
And another reported summer target for Sunderland will be in action for Oxford United against Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final this weekend.
Josh Murphy set to feature for Oxford United vs Bolton Wanderers
Oxford United and Bolton Wanderers meet at Wembley this weekend where they’ll look to secure promotion to the second tier.
It should be an exciting game between two front foot and attacking sides. And Speakman may be watching with interest as Sunderland target Josh Murphy will be in action.
Reports ahead of the summer have revealed that the Black Cats like Murphy, whose twin brother Jacob plays for Newcastle United.
The 29-year-old Murphy is out of contract in the summer and has helped fire the U’s to Wembley, scoring six goals and assisting four more in 30 League One outings this season, with four of his goals coming in March and April alone.
Why Sunderland may be hoping for a Bolton Wanderers win
Who wins the League One play-off final remains to be seen; both teams look very evenly-matched in terms of recent form and playing styles.
But the Black Cats may be hoping for a Bolton win as that might free up Murphy for a summer move, given the fact that he’s out of contract.
It’s also said that QPR, Southampton, and West Brom are keen on Murphy. He’s been out of the Championship for a couple of years now and he might jump at the chance to return, be that with Oxford or a new club.
If Oxford United miss out on promotion then Murphy will surely consider his options, knowing that Championship teams could be ready to take him in.
And if he plays well in the final then it could put him in the shop window even more, with Sunderland just one of many teams likely to be in the market for attacking additions this summer.
That, and Murphy would bring a dose of much-needed experience to a very youthful Sunderland side ahead of next season.