Sunderland are set to miss out on a summer transfer target, who is set to join Sheffield United.
Sunderland are still yet to appoint a new manager ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, despite Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus releasing a statement earlier in June, suggesting that a head coach appointment was ‘imminent’.
The manager hunt has now well exceeded 100 days for the Black Cats after the sacking of Michael Beale on February 19th, over four months ago.
Sunderland are still awaiting an appointment, with QPR boss Marti Cifuentes linked with taking the job at the Stadium of Light.
This has meant they have been left slightly behind in their summer transfer plans, with many Championship outfits looking to get their business done early.
One team is newly-relegated side Sheffield United, who look set to swoop in for one player who has been linked with a switch to Wearside over the past year.
Liam Millar set to join Sheffield United
Canadian international Liam Millar has been previously linked to Sunderland, but looks set on a move to the Steel City, per Adam Oxley on X.
A deal is reportedly in place for Canadian international Millar to join up with Sheffield United after the Copa America.
Sheffield United have managed to fend off interest from Preston North End and Burnley, who were also keen on Sunderland’s target.
The 24-year-old winger spent last season on loan at Preston, where he endured an impressive 35 appearances, bagging five goals across the campaign.
The former Liverpool youngster also has a wealth of experience abroad with FC Basel, where he was given the opportunity in the 2022/23 season to apply his trade in the UEFA Conference League.
Why Liam Millar to Sheffield United is a blow for Sunderland
After a prolific season with Preston, Millar could’ve been the perfect replacement for potential outgoing Jack Clarke.
Clarke has been instrumental in cementing Sunderland’s place in the Championship, especially in the 2022/23 season where they finished in the play-offs.
His impact will be difficult to replicate, however Millar has proven his ability across this season in the Championship.
Millar’s international experience could have also proven to be vital for Sunderland’s young squad, who seemed to lack a clear leader on many occasions in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season.
On top of this, Sunderland fans will have expectations of finishing in the top half, with a potential push for the play-offs, this move has strengthened a rival for the upcoming season.
Manager uncertainty lies at the forefront of any potential incomings, with it damaging their opportunities of attracting signings.
The board must appoint a manager imminently, otherwise Millar won’t be the only target to slip through their fingers.