Opinion: Sunderland need to sign exciting 18-year-old Southampton centre-back after Ozturk woes

Sunderland looked to be sorted at centre-back following the additions of Glenn Loovens, Jack Baldwin and Alim Ozturk during the summer, but they must make a move for exciting 18-year-old Southampton centre-back Christoph Klarer before Friday’s deadline.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Black Cats boss added the trio to his squad during the summer to boost his central defensive options, but with Ozturk so far failing to impress and the 34-year-old Loovens already suffering an injury setback, another option may well be needed.

In what is sure to be a tough League One campaign as the Wearside outfit search for an immediate return to the Championship, they will need a squad that can support them the whole way.

Meanwhile, Southampton have plenty of senior centre-back options themselves, but the 18-year-old Klarer has been promoted to and is shining for the U23 side this term despite his tender years.

Why should Sunderland sign him?

The teenager is impressive and while he seemingly won’t be getting near the Saints first-team in the immediate future, going out and getting experience in a lower league could be the best thing for his development.

The towering Austrian, who is decent in the air but composed in possession, captained the U23 side in their 1-1 draw against their Manchester United counterparts last week, and he certainly doesn’t look out of place among players that are generally older than he is.

The talented teenager would certainly cover Loovens – who may well suffer from his fair share of injury issues and not be able to play twice a week – and use the quality he clearly has to help Sunderland in their quest for promotion.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2PXuPES