Sunderland A.F.C striker Charlie Wyke is talks for a long term deal from Scottish giants Celtic F.C. The 28-year old is out of contract by the end of this month and will be keen on new offers. Sunderland legend Kevin Philips observes the situation as a serious crisis for his club. He was talking to Football Insider exclusively on the future of the Black Cats forward.
The latest transfer report indicate multiple interests in the Sunderland forward. Celtic are advancing well in the race as per the updates from Glasgow. Meanwhile Championship sides Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, and Millwall are all targeting the Englishmen for next season and are said to be holding talks with the 28-year old.
Meanwhile, the Hoops opened up talks on Thursday on the transfer plans prior to next season. CEO Dominic McKay and manager Ange Postecoglou met in London on Friday regarding the same, suggest the reports.
‘A massive blow for the Black Cats’
Charlie Wyke is Sunderland’s player of the year as he displayed a stunning show last season. He scored 30 goals and assisted for 5 from 53 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt). Leaving a guaranteed goal-scorer as a free agent won’t be a good move for the Black Cats.
Finding a proper replacement for Wyke would be the toughest challenge for Lee Johnson next season if the player manages to win a deal out of the town. Also, he is holding a high reputation in the Stadium of Light. Sunderland were managed to finish at 4th on the League One table because of the scoring consistency of Wyke.
Losing out the player would leave a huge void in the lineup of Johnson and settling down the issue is not easy in the present situation.
Offering a contract extension would be difficult in the current scenario for Sunderland. Especially, the wage structure is out of favour in the club’s current financial status. All indications point to Charlie Wyke leaving the stadium of light as it stands.
Priorities of Charlie Wyke and Celtic
Sources suggest Celtic are getting it right on Charlie Wyke and making him their first summer transfer under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Also, the player keen to test himself in the Scottish Premiership and favours a move to Celtic ahead of Nottingham Forest. Placing himself in Parkhead would guarantee a decent challenge for the player next season who has an impressive 31 goals to his name last season.
Celtic are set to lose Odsonne Edouard to Leicester City as per the reports. The 30-year old striker Leigh Griffiths is on the verge of talks with the club regarding an exit from Parkhead. Sources claim a positive update in the case of Griffiths for next season in Celtic. His contract runs till the summer of 2022. And the club is aware of the Wyke-like situation for the player.
Although, Charlie Wyke deal is important for the Bhoys. Adding more ammunition in the summer transfer window can ensure the squad’s quality for a fresh fight next season.