Calum Mills highlights the enviable position Sunderland’s academy has created for the club by consistently producing talented players. With names like Riggy, Patto, Neil, and Watson gracing the starting eleven this season, it’s clear that the academy’s output is a vital asset. Patto and Neil, now considered seasoned squad members, exemplify the academy’s success. However, one area has been noticeably absent of academy graduates in recent years: striker. The last significant breakthrough was Josh Maja, with several promising talents departing before making their senior debut. Mills recalls the potential of Martyn Waghorn, whom he once believed could become a future England star.
Enter Trey Ogunsuyi, an 18-year-old forward with 15 goals this season. Mills describes him as a player who combines pace, power, and a natural instinct for goal-scoring. With reports of Liverpool’s interest, Mills argues that Ogunsuyi is ready for senior-level football. Though he has made the bench, he is yet to earn minutes on the pitch. Mills believes Trey has outgrown youth football and should be promoted, especially with Rusyn’s potential departure. While other attacking options like Wilson and Mayenda are available, Trey offers a unique skill set that could be crucial in avoiding a repeat of the 2022/23 season when the team was left short of strikers after losing Simms and Stewart in quick succession. Mills envisions a promising future for Trey, speculating about a potential partnership with Tommy at the Stadium of Light in 2025.
Malc Dugdale agrees with the idea of involving Ogunsuyi but advocates for a gradual introduction. He suggests giving Trey opportunities from the bench during the second half of the season to support players like Isidor and Mayenda. This approach allows the youngster to gain first-team experience while easing the transition from youth to senior football. Dugdale emphasizes the steep learning curve for young players breaking into the first team but sees little to lose by giving Trey a chance. He draws on examples of past players like Hemir, who didn’t make an immediate impact but may still succeed.
Dugdale also questions whether Rusyn received a fair opportunity and argues that Sunderland, as a club committed to nurturing young talent, should stay true to this philosophy. If Trey struggles, a loan could be an option, but giving him a chance now could benefit both the player and the club in the long term. He believes Trey’s gratitude for the opportunity would foster loyalty and strengthen the club’s reputation for developing youth players.
John Wilson reflects on Sunderland’s past mistakes in letting young talents slip away due to financial constraints, poor planning, or unclear pathways. However, he acknowledges that the club has turned a corner, becoming a more attractive destination for young players by valuing and involving them. Although Wilson hasn’t seen Trey Ogunsuyi play live, he recognizes the young striker’s potential based on clips and reviews.
Wilson considers the options of promoting Trey to the first team or sending him on loan. While loans to lower leagues could accelerate his development, Wilson believes Trey’s talent warrants some involvement with the senior squad. He supports a gradual approach where Trey trains with the first team and gains limited game time to adapt to top-level football. Citing examples of 17-year-olds thriving in the Premier League, Wilson argues that age should not be a barrier if a player is talented enough. He trusts the coaching staff to make informed decisions based on their daily interactions with Trey and other players.
Ultimately, Wilson emphasizes trusting Sunderland’s development model, which has already proven successful with players like Riggy and Watson. By fostering Trey’s growth within the club’s system, Sunderland can continue its tradition of nurturing future stars.
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