Sunderland: Ian Poveda agreement could trigger SoL exit - View | OneFootball

Having signed Ian Poveda on a free transfer, Sunderland now have a surplus of wingers, meaning Jewison Bennette is likely to leave the club.

Highlights

Last week, Sunderlandsigned winger, Ian Poveda, on a free transfer, following his departure from Championship rivals, Leeds United.

Poveda became the Black Cats' third summer signing, following the arrivals of Simon Moore and Alan Browne.

With Poveda through the door, it is likely to trigger exits from the Stadium of Light as the Wearsiders now possess a surplus of wingers.

The likely fall guy from the Poveda deal is Jewison Bennette, who is yet to make his mark in the North East.

Le Bris ringing the changes at Sunderland

Following Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, Regis Le Bris confirmed that there would be some possible exits from the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks.

Seven senior players were omitted from Sunderland's first team for the game and were instead named in the under 21 side. Among those players, were Jay Matete, Luis 'Hemir' Semedo and Jewison Bennette.

Le Bris was quoted by the Sunderland Echo as saying: "Yeah, for sure (time to reduce the group).

"It will be interesting for them to find them a loan for sure."

Le Bris' remarks suggest that Bennette, among others, will be subject to a loan move this summer where he will be more likely to get first team minutes.

This is a decisive move from the new manager, indicating that he is not afraid of making major decisions about the players within his squad.

Bennette arrived at the Stadium of Light from Costa Rican side, C.S. Herediano, on a four-year deal in the summer of 2022.

During his first season at the club, the Costa Rican international made 15 Championship appearances, although these were all from the bench. However, the 20-year-old quickly made his mark, with a late equaliser against Watford, sending Sunderland fans into bedlam.

Following his first goal for the club, he seemed poised to make more of an impact for the Wearsiders but could not break into the first team, recording one assist during the rest of the campaign.

Last season, the winger made just one Championship appearance - a nine-minute cameo where he recorded an assist and showed off his trickery in front of the Sunderland faithful.

In January, Bennette was loaned out to Greek side, Aris Thessaloniki, with a view to the Costa Rican getting more first team exposure, but he only made two appearances for the club, playing just 90 minutes of football.

Bennette spoke out to Teletica about his experience in Greece, saying the loan was a 'bad decision'. Therefore, it is imperative that the club find a move that works for the 20-year-old. The winger has shown his potential in flashes, demonstrating there might be a player in there yet.

Sunderland's surplus of wingers

Following the signing of Ian Poveda, Sunderland now have a surplus of wingers at their disposal. Indeed, Poveda himself could find it difficult to break into Le Bris' starting eleven.

As well as Poveda, the Black Cats possess Abdoullah Ba, Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle all on the right wing. On the left wing, Sunderland have Jack Clarke and Bennette. With six wingers at his disposal, it is understandable why Le Bris is willing to let one go.

Competition for places could also bring the best out of Sunderland's wingers. With Clarke sure of a place, the rest of them are set to battle it out for a place against Cardiff City.

While Bennette has shown glimpses for Sunderland, he evidently has not done enough to convince Le Bris of his place in the squad.

With the arrival of another winger, it now seems almost certain that the Costa Rican will not be playing his football at the Stadium of Light this season.

A loan move could prove to be highly beneficial for Bennette, but he will be hoping it goes smoother than his last.