After two months of poor performances under Phil Parkinson, Sunderland fans are hoping for a promising start to 2020 (WhoScored.com). Many of their hopes rely on the club’s recruitment team bringing in some players who can make a positive impact on this struggling side. This week it was reported that Feyenoord’s Liam Kelly could be one of the primary targets for the Black Cats in January.
The player is valued at around £540,000 but moved to Feyenoord for free in the summer after leaving Reading (transfermarkt.co.uk). When the news broke, Roker Report shared a post that discussed the potential signing. Based on the fans’ reactions, they were not too enthused about the rumours. They don’t see him as an improvement on what they already have.
Is he another George Dobson? Cos we’ve already got one of him
— John Ridley (@Ridderz86) December 17, 2019
Let’s hope it’s just speculation, as I’ve just had a look and the guys 5ft 4!!! Standard. Just what we need!
— Elliott Fairlie (@elliottfairlie) December 17, 2019
Would you be worried if Sunderland bought Liam Kelly?
Yes
No
Many fans quoted specific parts of the report that worried them. There were multiple quotes that raised some red flags.
I see the scouts are looking at exactly what we need again…
“Capable of getting on the ball but lacking the confidence or responsibility to do anything with it”
“Best suited to the quarterback role playing possession based football”
— Wearside2warwickshire (@Wearside2warwi1) December 17, 2019
“The frustrating decline of Liam kelly” sounds right up our street
— Dave. Pentland (@dpentl_) December 17, 2019
‘lightweight and lost’. He’ll fit right in.
— Richard Keith Purdom (@Rich_Purdom) December 17, 2019
‘Distinct lack of height’
Coton: pic.twitter.com/nb2uFF8UtD— HMcD (@Hmcdnl7) December 17, 2019
What do we think?
These rumours are just that – rumours. Until the player is wearing the shirt, nothing is confirmed. And even then, judgement can’t be passed. If he does make the move to the Stadium of Light, he will have to prove his worth on the field before the fans can truly decide if this transfer is a smart one.