Sunderland fans want club to sign ‘class’ Blackburn Rovers ace after hearing Championship rivals have made contact
Sunderland supporters want the club to sign an impressive forward, but EFL Analysis has exclusively revealed the Black Cats will face stern competition to secure his signature.
Sunderland have booked their place in the Championship play-offs semi-finals with their upcoming clash against Coventry City.
Whether the Black Cats turn the tide on their worrying play-offs record, or are condemned to another season in the Championship, it either way promises to be a busy summer at Sunderland.
Sunderland have already been linked with Wolves’ Tommy Doyle, who could be the Jobe Bellingham replacement, and have emerged as suitors alongside Burnley for Harrison Armstrong.
After seeing news circulate on social media that Sunderland’s second tier rivals have made contact for an impressive forward, soon to be out of contract, fans are desperate for the club to hijack the move.
Sunderland fans want club to hijack Middlesbrough’s Tyryhs Dolan transfer move
EFL Analysis exclusively revealed this week via information from transfer insider Graeme Bailey, that Middlesbrough lead the way to sign Tyrhys Dolan from Backburn Rovers, with his current deal set to expire next month with no signs of extension.
Rovers boss Valerien Ismael has been worried about Dolan’s future, and Todd Cantwell’s alarming social media message did not help quell Rovers’ fans’ fears.
23-year-old Dolan has been in impressive form this season, helping Rovers to a late play-offs push with seven goals and six assists in 44 Championship appearances this term, in his fifth senior season at Ewood Park.
One of Dolan’s seven league strikes came in the 1-0 win against Sunderland, with his performance and the news that Boro are leading the fight for his services this summer, seeing Sunderland supporters desperate for the club to target versatile attacker Dolan.
Following the emergence of Boro’s interest in the Englishman, one Sunderland fan said: “He’s class. A real livewire and he’s always played very well against us.”
Another added: “If we don’t get promoted it’s a no brainer, clear upgrade on (Patrick) Roberts”.
As another agreed: “I would have him I think he’s decent. Only if we stay down though”.
One fellow Sunderland fan argued: “One of the best I’ve seen at the SoL this season.”.
Another said: “Looked good in both games against us, and still got age on his side. On a free should be a no-brainer, but I suspect others will be quicker off the mark and secure him.”
One fan posted: “If we don’t go up we should absolutely trying to bring Dolan and another right winger in and getting rid of Roberts and (Ian) Poveda”.
Many Sunderland fans point to the lack of goalscoring output from regular right-winger Patrick Roberts over recent seasons, and Dolan’s proven contributions would bode an upgrade for the Black Cats’ firepower.
Tyrhys Dolan stats for Blackburn Rovers compared to Sunderland wingers in 2024/25 season
All the metrics regarding Dolan point to him being a brilliant acquisition for any second tier side.
23-years-old has years ahead to develop even further, is versatile enough to play across the frontline, is out-of-contract so no transfer fee required, and has 13 goal contributions in 40 Championship starts.
Contrast that with Sunderland’s regular right-winger Roberts, who has scored just two goals across the last two campaigns – one of which was a penalty – Dolan would be an upgrade on the 28-year-old ex-Manchester City youngster.
Former Leeds United forward Ian Poveda was recruited last summer, but has made zero starts this season at Sunderland amid constant injury issues as well as one ill-disciplinary matter.
If Sunderland can secure Dolan’s services this summer, ahead of Boro, it would be an exciting beginning to the transfer window on Wearside.
