Last season, Amad Diallo demonstrated a spectacular performance at Sunderland during his loan tenure, netting 14 goals across all competitions and propelling the Black Cats to the play-off semi-finals.
As the loan period has ended, he has returned to Manchester United, and is anticipated to be given a chance to assert his position in Erik ten Hag’s premier team during the upcoming pre-season training.
However, if Ten Hag determines that the 20-year-old is not yet equipped for consistent Premier League play, another loan spell could be on the cards. Naturally, Sunderland would be eager to have Amad back at the Stadium of Light.
Amad himself has indicated a willingness to consider a second term at Sunderland and has expressed his enjoyment of his working relationship with Black Cats’ head coach, Tony Mowbray. However, Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, has tried to temper expectations of such an arrangement.
Speakman reflected on Amad’s successful stint with Sunderland, stating, “I’m so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony and had a vibrant smile on his face. He loved it. Naturally, that’s what we want.”
Yet, regarding the possibility of a return, Speakman expressed his doubts, saying, “Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don’t think so. He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever. That’s the level of player he is. The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland.”
In sum, Speakman admits it’s highly improbable that Amad Diallo will be making a return to Sunderland this summer.
