Sunderland set sights on 17-goal star in January striker hunt

Sunderland hold an interest in Kashiwa Reysol talisman Mao Hosoya, as per a new report from Sunderland Nation.

Even though Sunderland just hired Michael Beale as their new manager, given the team’s transparent transfer policy, it’s likely that they already have targets in mind. This will be particularly true for attackers considering the Black Cats’ offensive shortcomings this year.

Now, Sunderland Nation has made accusations about a possible winter transfer target.

They claim that Mao Hosoya, a Japanese international who plays for Kashiwa Reysol in his home country, is attracting a lot of attention from the Championship team. After more than a year away from the Japan team, the 22-year-old has had an incredible 2023, scoring 17 goals in 44 games in all competitions and making a comeback.

In a 5-0 victory over Syria, he scored his first goal for the nation in his most recent game as well, coming off the bench.

Strikers on the radar

Sunderland absolutely needs to sign a striker this winter. They plan to continue hiring young, unknown players who can be signed for less money than big names, but the newcomers will need to establish themselves.

This year, Hosoya has been quite productive, and it’s interesting to watch him return to a successful Japan team. He has only ever played for his current team, Kashiwa Reysol, so it will be intriguing to see whether Sunderland can pique his interest in Wearside.

Although his form this year may indicate he isn’t exactly on the cheaper side, his long-term deal expires in 2027. Only time will tell how the relationship plays out. However, considering his trajectory in 2023, Hosoya is an intriguing link.

Now coached by Michael Beale, Sunderland is three points outside the play-offs in seventh place in the standings.