Criticism of Sunderland has gradually died down since Regis Le Bris was appointed head coach.
Sunderland have since launched their brand new Hummel kit, as well as bringing out Le Bris’ first interview since joining the club.
With many supporters currently occupied with England’s Euro 2024 journey, it appears Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman have been given a little bit of breathing room.
However, that won’t last forever and the Black Cats still need to master the summer transfer window to be in with a chance of winning fans back around.
Their biggest challenge of the summer is to bring in a proven goalscorer, especially if they are to lose the creative impact of Jack Clarke.
While the club are likely to be on the hunt for a Championship ready striker, that hasn’t stopped them looking to the future as well.
Reports in recent months have claimed that Sunderland are eager to snap up West Ham’s Divin Mubama, who had rejected a new contract at West Ham.
The Irons went onto reveal that they remained in talks with the forward in the hope that he could stay at the club. However, they have now confirmed that he is set to leave the London Stadium as a free agent.
The Black Cats will surely reignite their interest in Mubama now, though will face significant competition.
Sunderland could miss out on Divin Mubama
The ‘great’ 19-year-old has already been linked to the likes of West Brom and Everton, though The Athletic previously reported that Sunderland were leading the race.
However, BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella has now issued a blow to their pursuit.
He wrote on X: “Striker Divin Mubama will leave West Ham and has interest in the Premier League, Championship and in Europe to weigh up.
“Nothing imminent but potentially leaning towards a European option as it stands.”
It is unclear who the European clubs are currently tracking Mubama, though the Daily Mail reported earlier this year that Dutch side FC Twente had asked about signing him on loan.
The free-agent striker shouldn’t rule out Wearside move
The teenager could follow a number of Englishmen who move abroad to kickstart their career, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Fikayo Tomori and Jadon Sancho doing the same.
However, moving to the Championship surely gives Mubama plenty of chance for progression too.
Sunderland have a good track record for developing young players, and he should look at the current links to Jobe and Clarke and want some of that for himself.
The Black Cats must accept that they could be a stepping stone for many youngsters, but they could avoid that by winning promotion themselves.