With the transfer rumour mill in full swing, many stories of transfers are a daily occurrence. That is no different in League One. One player who has been the subject of stories of a transfer is Peterborough United’s highly-rated midfielder Marcus Maddison.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move back to his native North East, with Sunderland the destination. His goalscoring ability and his very impressive assists stats make him the type of player the Black Cats are desperate for. An extra striker wouldn’t go amiss either.
Marcus Maddison: The Type of Player the Black Cats Need
Impressive Goals and Assists Stats
Last season, Marcus Maddison was one of the main reasons why Peterborough came so close to securing a play-off place. The midfielder/winger had impressive statistics in the goal and assists departments. Maddison scored ten goals and made 23 assists. The previous season saw him score 12 and create a further 17 goals. It is this form that has seen his stock soar.
The Type of Player Sunderland Lacked Last Season
Sunderland relied too heavily on Aiden McGeady last season and, when fit, Chris Maguire. When top-score Josh Maja left in January, McGeady especially was relied upon to create and score. The Black Cats have many players in the midfield area; however, most prefer to play as a deep lying midfielder.
A player such as Maddison to take the burden off others could have seen Sunderland promoted. Firepower was an issue during the second half of the season. Extra goals and creativity from midfield could have made all the difference.
Teasing a Move
Maddison recently teased a move back to native North East. His family still live in the region and said in an Instagram post: “Can’t wait to come up north, [it’ll] be nice to see my dad for his 60th birthday. Who knows who else I’ll see or meet while [I’m] up there.”
Sunderland manager Jack Ross is known to be a big admirer of Maddison. This and the midfielder’s recent comments have fuelled the fire somewhat.
North East Born and Bred
Maddison was born in County Durham, not far from Sunderland. He grew up supporting the Black Cats, therefore knows the passion of the North East for its football. Even though he is a Sunderland fan, his first club was rivals Newcastle United. However, he did not feature in a single game before moving to neighbours Gateshead. An impressive spell saw him snapped up by Peterborough United where he has gone from strength to strength.
Big Money for League One Required
The Chronicle’s Craig Johns reports that should Sunderland wish to sign Maddison, they, or any club, would need to meet his release clause. There is a £2.5 million release clause in Maddison’s contract, plus the amount Peterborough paid for him. This would bring the figure to around £3 million. The fee would also need to be paid in full up-front.
Sunderland did sign Will Grigg in January for a fee which could rise to £4 million. However, this fee is staggered. Whether Sunderland would want to or could pay £3 million up-front is unknown. If they could, he could prove an excellent piece of business.
