In a show of determination to retain their promising young talents, Sunderland rebuffed Brighton & Hove Albion’s deadline-day pursuit of Tommy Watson. Kristjaan Speakman, the club’s sporting director, highlighted this as an example of their unwavering commitment to nurturing and holding on to their best prospects.

Despite the Premier League interest in Watson, Speakman emphasized Sunderland’s reluctance to entertain any prospective deals. While acknowledging the challenges Watson might face in breaking into the current high-performing squad, Speakman expressed the club’s strong belief in the young player’s potential.

“Tommy is a player we hold in high regard,” Speakman remarked. “He’s on the cusp of the first team, and we’re optimistic about his chances of getting some valuable playing time this season, although the competition is fiercer now than ever before. We’ll continue supporting him and exploring opportunities for his development. Rejecting bids from Premier League clubs is flattering, but for us, it’s a straightforward decision reflective of our club’s stance and principles.”

Despite parting ways with Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, Sunderland resisted offers for multiple players while successfully securing contract extensions for Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and Dan Ballard. Speakman emphasized that these decisions should instill confidence in the fans regarding the club’s direction.

“We’ve turned down various bids over the transfer window,” Speakman revealed. “There were considerable offers on the table for about six to eight players, but we opted to retain them, which underscores our owners’ commitment and our club’s aspirations. We strive to build a sustainable football club and adhere to our core values and principles.”

Speakman stressed that the club’s focus is not merely on trading players but on developing a cohesive and growing football institution. While acknowledging the inevitable departures of players like Ross Stewart, he emphasized the club’s overarching strategy centered on building a resilient and progressive football organization.

For 97 percent of players, we’re dedicated to retaining and strengthening the team by rejecting bids, restructuring contracts, and keeping players. Our squad is one of the strongest and most valuable in the Championship, which is a great achievement considering where we started four years ago. It should bring joy and comfort to supporters.