A Dutch football expert has predict predicts how likely Pascal Jansen is to join Sunderland this summer.
Sunderland have endured over 100 days without a permanent manager now, but Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has confirmed that an appointment is ‘imminent’.
Recent reports claimed that the Black Cats had whittled their search down to a three-man shortlist consisting of Jansen, Stephen Robinson and Dave Challinor, though further reports have dismissed those rumours.
Jansen does remain a name on everyone’s lips though, having been linked with the likes of Ajax, Norwich City and Everton last season.
Having reached the Europa Conference League semi-final with AZ Alkmaar during the 2022/23 campaign, fans are very excited about the prospect of appointing the 51-year-old.
Football expert claims Pascal Jansen could commit to Championship switch
While it may feel too good to be true, Dutch football expert Michael Statham has now had his say on whether Jansen could join Sunderland.
Speaking exclusively to Sunderland AFC News, Statham said: “I think he would move to the Championship. When he left AZ Alkmaar, it wasn’t on the best terms. They weren’t have a good season AZ. He took some steps forward at the club having taken over from Arne Slot, who of course went on to Feyenoord then Liverpool.
“Jansen was holding on to what Slot had put in place, and keeping the football mostly the same. He would play with a 4-3-3. That style of football was somewhat comparable to Arne Slot, if you were to compare him to a manager in the Premier League right now, it would be him.
“I know that Slot isn’t known to many people right now who are Premier League fans, but they do play with the full-backs up high, a midfield three with a no.10 that supports the striker. Both Jansen and Slot like wingers, and they like to rotate them, not to give them the full 90 minutes so to say.”
Pascal Jansen could persuade a number of players to stay
While many have taken the rumours regarding Stephen Robinson and Dave Challinor with a pinch of salt, there is no denying that Jansen will be their best option from any current shortlist.
The London-born coach has no experience in England, but has made his mark on European competition and has beaten the likes of Lazio and Anderlecht in the process.
Jansen has developed some excellent talents in the Netherlands and has nurtured youth players, which is vital at the Stadium of Light.
Like Chris Rigg, many players could well consider their future at Sunderland depending on who the club bring in as their next manager.
Jansen could be the one to tempt many players to stay, while someone like Challinor or Robinson could quite easily do the opposite.