‘He wasn’t available’: Club director opens up on failed pursuit of 21-y/o United star in January window

Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman opened up on the side’s failed pursuit of Amad Diallo last month. 

The 21-year-old was believed to be the subject of interest for numerous Championship clubs, including the Black Cats, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and even league leaders Leicester City.

However, after holding showdown talks with Erik ten Hag to gain some clarity on his Manchester United future, Amad was kept at Old Trafford across the January window.

His first – and most recent – outing of the season came back on December 30 when he made a 36-minute cameo off-the-bench against Nottingham Forest, replacing Antony following another lacklustre showing from the winger.

Amad had been waiting five months to make his return to action due to a long-term knee injury that he sustained on United’s pre-season tour last summer but he is yet to be granted any further minutes, which has raised the eyebrows of fans.

The Ivorian’s spell at Sunderland was certainly impressive; 14 goals, including one in the playoff semi-final, and four assists made him one of the Wearside outfit’s standout performers of their remarkable term under former boss Tony Mowbray.

Speakman discloses Amad interest

Having left such a lasting impact, Sunderland were adamant about bringing him back to the Stadium of Light when he became fit again this winter.

Speakman told Sunderland Nation: “Amad would have been one of those three or four [transfer] targets, but there are factors we have no control over. I think you’ve seen in terms of the market over the January window, it’s been a fairly dormant market. There’s not been as many transactions. And, ultimately, then you’re waiting on player availability most of the time, whether that’s on a permanent basis or a loan basis.

“It ran its course. He wasn’t available.”