Sunderland have a new manager on their radar; former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen.
Sunderland now have a new name in their three-month-long manager search, with Pascal Jansen having quickly come into the running.
It’s claimed that the 51-year-old former Jong PSV and AZ Alkmaar boss is under serious consideration for the job at the Stadium of Light.
It comes after the Will Still saga unfolded; he had reportedly agreed to become the next Sunderland manager, then turning his attentions to RC Lens, where he appears to be backtracking once again.
Jansen worked under Arne Slot for a brief period at AZ. He achieved consistent league finishes in four seasons at the club, never finishing outside the top five of the Eredivisie.
The London-born Jansen was axed in January this year and has remained without a club since; Greek giants Panathinaikos are also said to be interested in a potential appointment.
Pascal Jansen to Sunderland could see Black Cats repeat Amad Diallo trick
If Jansen arrives at Sunderland this summer, he may well be looking to utilise some of his contacts in the game for new signings.
He has new Liverpool boss Slot on his list of contacts, as well as names like Marcel Brands who is currently the president of PSV.
In an interview with The Coaches’ Voice earlier this year, Jansen revealed his connections with former Everton director of football Brands, and also Manchester United Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch duo studied for heir UEFA Pro License at the same time, along with former Dutch national team boss Frank de Boer.
And should ten Hag stay at Manchester United beyond this summer, and Jansen arrives on Wearside, that could give the Black Cats an in with Manchester United for potential loan deals, or even potential signings.
Pascal Jansen to Sunderland has more than one positive
Not only does Jansen seem like a strong candidate; given his league finishes with AZ, his reportedly aggressive and exciting style of play, and his ability to work with and nurture top players like Cody Gakpo for example, but he’ll also bring connections to the table.
It may be that Sunderland already have a good relationship with Manchester United after the 2022/23 loan spell of Amad Diallo.
The season just gone may have made Sunderland a less attractive place for United and indeed any other club to send their youngsters, but Jansen arriving this summer could eliminate those fears.
What’s also interesting about Jansen is that he’s said previously that he can work well in a team, or rather a model, that sells players when bigger clubs come calling.
That might be music to Kristjaan Speakman’s ears as Sunderland have a number of players they’ll likely cash in on at some point, some potentially being this summer.
So Jansen to Sunderland certainly seems to have its benefits.