Transfer deadline day in the Championship didn’t disappoint as various different clubs up and down the second tier managed to secure some dramatic last-gasp deals.
Sunderland would have been the talk of the town in the division if they had managed to clinch this unbelievable switch at the death, with Brighton and Hove Albion ace Simon Adingra linked with a shock move to Wearside, only for the Black Cats to tie up the expected loan capture of Jayden Danns instead.
If the 11th hour move had taken place, it would have likely seen Sunderland youngster Tommy Watson relocate to the Seagulls as part of the exchange deal, with the Black Cats possessing yet another top young talent on their hands.
Watson's failed move to Brighton
Indeed, in a window that must have seen Regis Le Bris fear for the long-term futures of the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, Watson could well have ended up being the notable casualty.
Brighton would have been purchasing Watson for his raw potential rather than what he has shown for Sunderland in the men’s team over a long stretch of time, however, with the 18-year-old only gaining his first significant senior opportunities this campaign.
One of those rare shots in the first team this season did see the promising teen fire home two blistering strikes versus Stoke City to gift his boyhood club a 2-0 win, with another ten chances in Le Bris’ main team coming his way away from this standout showing against the Potters.
It will be intriguing to see if Watson does end up winning himself a statement Premier League switch down the line, as the Black Cats already begin to ponder whether another attacking starlet could be the club’s next exciting youngster in the same mould as the much-talked-about 18-year-old.
Sunderland's next Watson
The next gem off the fruitful Black Cats production line could well end up being Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi who already has Premier League admirers of his own.
Amazingly, it has already been speculated that Liverpool have had a peek at the Belgian off the back of his explosive goalscoring form in the youth ranks.
This season alone, playing for both the U18s and U21s, Sunderland’s “super talent” – as he has been lauded by U23 football talent scout Antonio Mango – boasts an exceptional record of nine strikes from ten contests, leading to Arne Slot’s table-topping Reds remarkably beginning to take note of his potency in front of goal.
The similarities don’t end there between Watson and his 18-year-old counterpart, however, with Ogunsuyi also capable of playing down the left wing if needed, where Watson has shone in flashes in the main fold at the Stadium of Light.
Player
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Ogunsuyi
44
18
2
Watson
68
30
18
Sourced by Transfermarkt
But, based on the table above, the Liverpool-linked centre-forward will have to remain patient regarding any forthcoming first-team opportunities, with Watson up to 68 appearances himself in and around the youth pitches at Sunderland before being given his first proper big break this season.
Ogusuyi would no doubt relish the opportunity of some minutes in the senior fold, with Black Cats star Wilson Isidor acting as a phenomenal mentor for the 18-year-old to bounce off of, but zero Championship chances – minus the odd bench appearance here and there – have been handed to him at this moment in time.
There is no rush, but if Le Bris can get the very best out of the Belgian down the line, he could well end up being a mega-money sale for the Black Cats to boast about.
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