Kristjaan Speakman 'does not understand the narrative' around Sunderland transfer model

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has questioned whether the outside perception of the clubs transfer policy is accurate.

Kristjaan Speakman says he 'doesn't quite understand the narrative' that Sunderland only ever want to sign young players. 

Sunderland's transfer strategy has been a topic of persistent debate among supporters, with the perception being that there is too much emphasis on signing raw young players to be developed. 

That perception has been fed by the summer transfer window, when every player the club signed with the exception of Bradley Dack and Nazariy Rusyn was eligible to play for the club's under-21s. 

Sunderland youngster Jobe Bellingham not in need of a rest, says Kristjaan Speakman

This month Sunderland are looking for more experienced players and that, according to Speakman, is something that is slowing the process down an awful lot given the lack of availability. 

However, one idea he rejects entirely is that Sunderland have in in-built reluctance to sign experience.

“No, I don't think so.” Speakman told BBC Radio when asked if looking for experienced players this month represented a rethink of the strategy at Sunderland.

“I think everyone will articulate what they feel we need and obviously we'll package that up in a different wording.

“For us, we're looking for good players to improve the group, looking for good players to come in and enhance the group and players to go in the team and be in the squad.

“So I don't think it's any different. I get the question on young players. We've re-signed [Luke] O'Nien, we've signed [Danny] Batth, we've signed [Alex] Pritchard, we've signed [Corry] Evans.

“So I don't quite understand the narrative, to be honest with you, with that. But we want to get balance and we'll keep trying to find the good players that gives us balance.”

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