Will Sunderland baulk at Paraguayan striker’s £31m fee?
Published:
It seems almost certain already that Sunderland will need another late-season revival to avoid Premier League relegation, but one transfer target who may bring about the latest escape is Copenhagen’s Federico Santander. If a price can be agreed.
The Black Cats have been increasingly linked with the 25-year-old in recent weeks, but the latest reports suggest Santander is available for no less than £31m – a price which may put the club off a move.
Paraguay international Santander signed for FC Copenhagen from his native Guarani last summer, and his first foray into European football has so far been a success.
The 6ft 1in hitman netted 17 goals in 36 appearances for the Danish club last term, helping the Lions to a league and cup double.
And this season is much of the same, with Santander scoring three goals in addition to three assists as Copenhagen lead the Danish Superliga by a handy six points.
Having relied on Jermain Defoe’s 15 league goals to avoid the drop last term, Sunderland find themselves rooted to the foot of the table. They’re the only side yet to win and are also the division’s joint-lowest scorers under David Moyes.
Signing Santander would offer Defoe a useful ally up front with a physical presence, and happily for Black Cats fans, those £31m rumours have been quashed by the player’s agent.
Of his player, Oskar Olsen said: “The interest and figures have been blown out of proportion.”
It remains to be seen then, exactly how much the Wearsiders would need to fork out in January, but judging by their current situation, investment is a must.
The bookies make Sunderland favourites for relegation at 8/15, while their 6/4 odds to stay up are the longest in the market.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
