Sunderland AFC: Kevin Phillips questions Kyril Louis-Dreyfus transfer plan | OneFootball

Kevin Phillips has revealed his frustration with Sunderland’s transfer policy ahead of the summer window.

The Black Cats are still searching for a new head coach following the end of their Championship campaign.

The Wearside outfit installed Mike Dodds as interim head coach after dismissing Michael Beale in February, with the 37-year-old overseeing the end of the season.

Sunderland have become renowned for their focus on signing young players in the transfer market, a policy that they have stuck to quite firmly in recent years.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is key to this recruitment strategy, playing a very involved role in the process of building the first team squad.

Kevin Phillips reveals Sunderland transfer frustrations

Phillips has criticised this approach to the transfer market from Sunderland, highlighting their disappointing campaign as an example of how difficult it is to be competitive with such a young squad.

The former striker has claimed that any team looking to fight for promotion to the Premier League will need to have some experience in order to help get over the line.

“From the outside looking in, I’m as frustrated as any Sunderland fan… especially after this season, they finished very disappointing,” said Phillips, via the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

“Where they go from now, what they do, who they appoint over the summer, it’s so critical and crucial that they get the right appointment.

“With the model they’ve got in place at the moment, do I agree with it? Probably not.

“That league is very difficult.

“If you’re not prepared to bring in experienced players within that squad, especially in the Championship, it can become very, very difficult.”

Sunderland's disappointing campaign

Sunderland were in the mix for a top six finish in the first half of the campaign, but suffered a disappointing second half to fall out of contention.

The Black Cats finished 16th in the table, ending the season with a 2-0 home loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

The gap to the play-offs ended up being 17 points, having earned a top six finish under Tony Mowbray 12 months ago.

It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the next permanent head coach, with a number of names linked to the vacancy.

Liam Rosenior is the latest name to emerge as a contender, with the 39-year-old currently out of work.

Wil Still has also been linked with the position, with the former Reims manager now also available as a free agent.

Sunderland need to strike right balance in the transfer market

Sunderland enjoyed a lot of success in the immediate aftermath of their promotion to the Championship in 2022, signing a lot of exciting young talent.

That talent powered the team to a sixth place finish that had them competing for promotion straight away.

However, they have been unable to replicate that success over the last 12 months, highlighting how difficult the balancing act is between giving young players first team minutes and building a competitive side.

While the club shouldn’t simply abandon their principles, there should also be some room for compromise as well given how competitive the Championship is.