Sunderland continue to challenge at the top of the table, but they need a bit of extra flair and creativity if they are to push on and achieve promotion this season.
After the draw against Bristol City on Tuesday night, Sunderland remain in fourth place in the Championship table, and are just four points off Leeds United at the summit.
But, Regis Le Bris has once again seen his side be wasteful in front of goal, and Sunderland certainly lack confidence and that clinical edge they need to maximise their potential.
While Le Bris has been clear about his intentions to help Sunderland’s youngsters develop rather than signing new players in January, there is one addition he may find particularly useful in fixing the Black Cats’ issues.
Omari Kellyman of Chelsea beats Luke Butterfield of Everton during the Premier League 2 match between Chelsea U21 and Everton U21 at Kingsmeadow on...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Omari Kellyman would be an ideal fit for Sunderland’s attacking line
Omari Kellyman joined Chelsea in the summer from Aston Villa, but things haven’t gone to plan for the 19-year-old so far, with injury hampering his start to life at Stamford Bridge.
But, when fit, Kellyman offers exactly the kind of trickery and creative spark Sunderland are lacking right now, as well as being versatile enough to play either on the wing or in a more central attacking role.
Kellyman is a young, dynamic playmaker who perfectly complements the make-up of Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland squad right now, and he would not find it difficult to slot into the Black Cats’ style of play.
We all know how special a player Jobe Bellingham is, but he doesn’t quite seem to be making the desired impact at the moment, and Sunderland desperately need an alternative to help them find a way to break the lines.
Chelsea unveil new signing Omari Kellyman at Chelsea Training Ground on June 29, 2024 in Cobham, England.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Sunderland can give Omari Kellyman valuable first-team experience
The pathway to Chelsea’s first-team squad appears to be well and truly blocked for Kellyman this season, and the youngster may now be regretting his move to Stamford Bridge.
It’s clear that he needs regular football, especially in light of him just recovering from injury. A young player with such potential can ill-afford to waste time in the reserves or around the fringes of the Chelsea squad.
Chelsea will know this, and will no doubt be keen to find him a suitable destination to continue his development if they are to make good on their investment.
With Le Bris’ preference for giving young players game time, a switch to Sunderland in January would be the best move for all parties; not only would Sunderland get a top quality teenage talent, but Kellyman would find an ideal home for the second half of the season.
Le Bris has stated there will be very little change for Sunderland in January, but a move for Kellyman would present a very low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Black Cats.