Transfer Centre

Sunderland to focus on youth

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 27 August 2013

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne says that the club expect to be developing more youth players through their academy in the future.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that the club will be placing a greater emphasis on youth development over the coming years.

The Black Cats have recruited 11 new players during the summer transfer window, which involved substantial fees for the likes of Jozy Altidore and Emmanuele Giaccherini.

However, Byrne has warned the fans not to expect many more hectic windows as the club turns the focus of their attention on the youth academy.

"Our scouting team are already looking ahead to future seasons," Byrne wrote in her programme notes ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons. "They are monitoring players across the world, especially young prospects, and as a club our approach to recruitment has been brought to a new level.

"We do not expect to have future transfer windows quite as busy as this one, but we do expect to be constantly developing new players through our academy and development squad.

"We understand the need for a blend of youth and experience, which you can see for example with the signings of Emanuele Giaccherini as an experienced full international, and a young up and coming player such as Charis Mavrias."

Sunderland signed Mavrias from Panathinaikos for £2.5m last week.