One Sunderland youngster is now ‘wanted’ in League Two after a ‘standout’ season.
Sunderland could be set to part ways with a number of homegrown players this summer.
Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson have both beenlinked with moves to the Premier League, while Ellis Taylor is set to leave the club after towards PL2 play-off final.
Chris Rigg’s future also remains uncertain, while Oli Bainbridge had been linked with Everton earlier this year.
The full-back has been a regular for Sunderland U21s this season and earned himself a place on the bench for the senior team’s draw with QPR in March, but is yet to make his debut.
The Black Cats have the option to extend his contract from next summer, however could face losing him beforehand if the Toffees continue their pursuit.
Oli Bainbridge could now move to League Two
Despite interest from the top flight, Sunderland are reportedly looking to send Bainbridge out on loan and is now ‘wanted’ by a League Two club.
Speaking via his Patreon, journalist Alan Nixon said: “Sunderland left-back Oliver Bainbridge is wanted by Bradford City – with the Black Cats under-21s in the Premier League 2 final today.
“Bainbridge could be loaned out and the Bantams head the queue.”
Bainbridge has impressed as he has come up through the ranks so far, but is yet to get a single taste of senior football.
Will Bainbridge be able to force his way into the senior team?
Sunderland clearly think very highly of him if they are to send him out on loan though, as they could be eager to prepare him for eventually making his mark on the first team.
Like Taylor, it will be very difficult to force his way up the pecking order given Sunderland’s strength in depth at left-back though – hence why Taylor was released.
However, if Bainbridge can impress in League Two then he could eventually climb his way into the senior squad, with regular injuries to Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin potentially providing a pathway for him to follow.
The Wearside outfit will have to bat off any further interest in the 18-year-old first though. However, the success of players such as Dan Neil and Chris Rigg will surely tempt academy players to stay if they believe they are likely to get more of a chance at the Stadium of Light than anywhere else.