Sunderland are now ‘likely’ to sign ‘superb’ 24-year-old permanently in summer deal

The position of Sunderland regarding Callum Styles’ future has been elucidated.

Early in the January transfer window, Sunderland attempted to sign Callum Styles, but were compelled to rescind their pursuit after learning that the midfield player needed appendix surgery.
On deadline day, though, the Black Cats rekindled their interest in him and ultimately signed him to a loan agreement with the possibility to extend it for a permanent position this summer.

With Corry Evans still expected to be out for months, Styles was expected to play primarily in the midfield.

But due to injuries to Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Niall Huggins, the 24-year-old was forced to play both left back and left wing-back.

Styles has generally struggled in a back-four, but he has recently shown some “superb” performances when playing in a back five against Leeds United and West Brom. Styles had a nightmare start in the loss to Swansea City.

Since regaining full fitness, the Barnsley player has started seven games, but he hasn’t yet done so in his preferred midfield position.

Will Callum Styles be a long-term Sunderland sign?

Callum Styles’ permanent status is a decision that the Black Cats will have to make with just three games remaining.
Sunderland’s “long-standing interest” in Styles suggests a deal “could likely” be made permanent this summer, according to Chronicle Live.

According to the report, Styles’ versatility—he has played midfield for his country and could cover in defence in a position where injuries are particularly common—was the reason Kristjaan Speakman was eager to sign him.
Even though he has only started to show promise in the last few weeks, Sunderland may now try to retain him past the summer window.
This season, Barnsley may advance to the Championship through the play-offs, but Styles would much prefer be fighting for a spot in the Premier League with Sunderland.

Next season, will he be a starter or a backup?

The Hungary international might be excellent for covering players all over the pitch, but I doubt he’ll be a regular in the starting lineup come next season.

Even though he has improved significantly in recent games, he is still far below the calibre of players like Dan Neil or Dennis Cirkin.

Next season, Aji Alese and Cirkin should have no trouble competing for the left-back position, and Neil and Chris Rigg should lock down two midfield spots. The third will probably be Jobe Bellingham, but we may also sign a different defensive midfield player.

Although I still believe Styles should be given a fair opportunity to prove himself in the middle of the park, I wouldn’t mind if we signed him permanently.