Sunderland to take closer look at Swedish teen during summer trial

Sunderland have given a trial to teenage midfielder Gideon Granström, according to reports in his native Sweden.

The 17-year-old is part of the youth set-up at Djurgård and has taken an active part in matches during their pre-season preparations in Gran Canaria.

However, the report claims Sunderland were impressed with Granström having seen him playing for the Sweden Under-18 side against Wales.

Speaking to Sthlm, the player’s father and agent, Robert Granström confirmed the trial, saying the midfielder will spend time with the Black Cats’ under-23 squad.

“They caught sight of him when he was with the Swedish P18 national team in Wales this summer. After the two international matches, he was invited to a pre-season tour with their U23 team as they wanted to take a closer look at him,” Robert Granström told Fotboll Sthlm.

“He went there earlier this week and is doing his first training session today. He stays about ten days in total. They will be on this tour for a week, starting in Norwich, then finishing with three days in Sunderland.

“From our side, we focus on the sporting aspect, it is instructive to come there and meet a different football culture and a different way of playing. Then it is a blank slate what happens after that.

“We have had a dialogue with Djurgården the whole time, who understand the whole thing. But a club like Sunderland does not invite a player unless there is a concrete interest.

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