Sunderland’s pursuit of a 28-year-old attacker faces stiff competition.
Sunderland will have to battle hard this month to locate a proven goalscorer, as the club is no longer willing to rely on players like Nazariy Rusyn and Mason Burstow.
The Black Cats are still interested in Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore, although Sam Gallagher has also been mentioned.
It was claimed earlier this week that the Blackburn forward is one of several candidates on Sunderland’s shortlist, despite making only two Championship starts this season.
Gallagher joined Blackburn from Southampton in 2019 and has since scored 45 goals and assisted 21 times. Though he has only reached double figures in the league once, during his loan stay at Ewood Park in the 2016/17 season.
Gallagher, who scored eight goals in the Championship last season, has fallen behind Leonard in the pecking order this season, appearing for only 243 minutes and scoring once.
Despite his failures for Blackburn, Sunderland are still keen in signing the 28-year-old to help them overcome their own goalkeeping problems. They will, however, face stiff competition from Ipswich Town.
Kieran McKenna’s side are anxious to sign Gallagher as a ‘additional option’ in their promotion bid, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
“Ipswich want to sign Blackburn striker Sam Gallagher – but will have to fight for him,” Nixon said on his Patreon.
“Rovers would let Gallagher go to get his wages off the payroll, while Ipswich would ask for permission to speak with him.” However, his salary may be a significant issue.
“Gallagher is also on Sunderland’s hit list while Ipswich are still hoping Jay Stansfield’s loan move at Birmingham City can be hijacked.”
Meanwhile, PA Media journalist Nick Mashiter has reported that Blackburn have already rejected two bids from Ipswich for the forward – thought to be worth up to £1.5m.
Gallagher is thought to be earning around £14,000-per-week with Rovers – not far off Sunderland’s top earner Jack Clarke.
Is Sam Gallagher the answer?
Sunderland should still have around £10m from Ross Stewart’s summer exit, so they should be able to compete with other teams for top strikers this month – but Sam Gallagher is surely not where the money should be spent.
The Southampton academy graduate has only ever reached double digits in the league on one occasion – and he made his senior debut for Southampton eleven years ago.
Given that he also turns 29 years old this year, he certainly doesn’t seem worth the fee that he will likely go for towards the end of the window.
The Black Cats must not panic-buy this month, as Gallagher’s wealth of experience doesn’t mean he necessarily has the goals to back it up.
While it wouldn’t be a permanent solution, Kieffer Moore still seems our best bet. It will be a huge challenge, but he genuinely seems like one of very few names who could actually push us for a promotion charge.
