"Might not be what we need" - Sunderland urged to avoid Leicester City agreement | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit discussed his club's recent links to Leicester City's Ben Nelson

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland have been told to avoid a move for Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, amid reports that the Black Cats want to sign the 20-year-old on loan.

Michael Graham reported via X that Sunderland have made an enquiry to sign the defender on loan, whilst a number of other unnamed Championship clubs want to sign the defender.

Nelson is highly-rated at the King Power Stadium and signed a new deal with the Foxes in December to ensure he'd remain at the club until 2027, but with the club preparing for life in the Premier League, he's unlikely to be a regular in Steve Cooper's side.

It was reported back in March by Leicestershire Live that Manchester City have a long-standing interest in the player, so it's clear to see he's certainly a player with a bright future ahead of him.

Sunderland told to opt for experience this summer

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit, Keith Irving, believes that the Black Cats should be looking for an experienced centre-back instead of signing Nelson, with the club already having a number of youngsters with potential on their books.

Speaking to Football League World, Keith said: "Ben Nelson of Leicester City to Sunderland on a potential loan deal, it’s come from nowhere really.

"Normally I’d pass this kind of speculation off as nothing, but with Jenson Seelt recovering, Alese not that long back from a serious injury and that hammer blow of missing Dan Ballard for six weeks, there could be something in a short-term loan deal for the Leicester centre-back.

“Leicester certainly fancy the youngster. They tied him down to a contract extension earlier this year up to 2027, so they certainly aren’t looking to offload him full-time. “I just wonder if his lack of experience might not be what we need as centre-back cover this season. "I think fans would generally hanker after a bit of experience too. We don’t want to be left in the position where we’re playing full-backs as centre backs or young kids. Let’s be honest, there are times when Luke O’Nien doesn’t look the most assured of defenders either.

“Ben Nelson has an awful lot of potential, he’s well-regarded at Leicester City absolutely but we just have a few too many potential players in the ranks right now, so I think this is one that probably won’t come to fruition.”

Ben Nelson could be a good signing despite his inexperience

Nelson was deemed good enough by Enzo Maresca to make nine first-team appearances last season, including five in the Championship, and he certainly didn't look out of place.

It's certainly understandable why Sunderland fans would like some experience in defence, but if you're good enough you're old enough, and Nelson could well be good enough.

Nelson has previously spent time on loan at both Rochdale and Doncaster Rovers, so he has experience of playing in the EFL, and he appears to be mature beyond his years.

Perhaps signing a young, talented, hungry defender would be better for the Black Cats than signing a more experienced journeyman who's less talented.

The Championship has proven a breeding ground for future starts recently, and you only have to look at Swansea City signing an inexperienced Marc Guehi in 2020 on loan from Chelsea and his performances in the Euros for England to realise how useful loans from Premier League clubs can be.

Had Leicester not won promotion to the Premier League, they could well have decided to keep Nelson at the club to play a more prominent role this season, and he's a player who could be a star in the future.

If Sunderland choose not to sign Nelson, another Championship club will likely pick him up, and they could come to regret missing out on him.