Ballard has emerged as a potential transfer target for Burnley, which could put Sunderland in a precarious position with the prospect of a dual transaction looming.
According to a recent report by Alan Nixon on Patreon, Burnley has expressed interest in signing Sunderland’s center-back, Daniel Ballard. Their previous attempt to secure a deal during the winter transfer window was hindered by their Championship status at the time.
However, now that Burnley has ascended to the Premier League, they may have the financial means to secure Ballard’s services, particularly if owner Alan Pace is willing to make a substantial investment should Burnley’s chances of survival in the top flight become more promising in the upcoming January transfer window.
Burnley’s defense has shown vulnerabilities this season, conceding 20 goals in just eight league matches. Only Sheffield United has conceded more goals in the Premier League this season, making it clear that Vincent Kompany’s team needs to bolster their defense to enhance their chances of remaining in the top tier.
Despite a recent setback where Ballard’s defense allowed four goals against Middlesbrough, he has been a standout performer for Sunderland this season. His versatility and contributions at both ends of the pitch have made him a valuable asset. Ballard has started in all 11 of Tony Mowbray’s side’s league games this season, even scoring against Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland needs to be cautious regarding the possibility of a double deal with Burnley, as Ballard is not the only player from their squad linked to the Clarets. Jack Clarke has also attracted Burnley’s interest, and they have made several unsuccessful bids for him.
Clarke, who impressed during his debut season at the Stadium of Light after his move from Tottenham Hotspur, presents an enticing prospect for Burnley. Two factors may motivate Burnley to pursue Clarke in the winter transfer window: some of their wing options are on loan, and Clarke’s exceptional form this season, having scored seven goals in 11 league appearances.
While the potential sale of both Ballard and Clarke could bring in significant revenue for Sunderland, they should exercise caution and consider a past example before making a decision. In the summer of 2022, Nottingham Forest signed two key players, Harry Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien, from Huddersfield Town following Huddersfield’s defeat in the play-off final. This double departure, along with other factors, contributed to Huddersfield’s rapid decline in the Championship, which required a Herculean effort to avoid relegation, largely thanks to Neil Warnock’s intervention.
Ballard and Clarke hold a similar level of importance to Sunderland as O’Brien and Toffolo did to Huddersfield. O’Brien was a pivotal figure in midfield, while Toffolo played a crucial role as an attacking asset on the left wing-back position in the 2021/22 season. Ballard provides stability in Sunderland’s defense, and Clarke has become a prolific goal-scorer for the team. Parting ways with both Ballard and Clarke in a double deal could prove detrimental to Sunderland, just as it did for Huddersfield when they sold Toffolo and O’Brien. While Mowbray has other talented players in his squad, these two first-team players are indispensable and should not be let go in a joint agreement with Burnley.
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