Phillips ‘excited’ as Sunderland reportedly close to signing Alebiosu
Kevin Phillips is ‘excited’ by the prospect of Sunderland signing Arsenal teenager Ryan Alebiosu on loan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend backed his former club’s decision to recruit young players rather than experience.
According to Football.London (August 26th), the Black Cats are in talks with Arsenal over a season-long loan deal for Alebiosu with a move expected to be sealed in the coming days.
The 19-year-old was a regular for Arsenal’s Under-23s last season but he is yet to make his first team debut.
A product of the Gunners’ academy, Alebiosu is primarily a right-back but he can also play on the right hand side of midfield or at left-back.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on the potential arrival, Phillips said: “He could be a great signing.
“Any player who comes from a Premier League club like Arsenal, who have a history of producing good, exciting, young talented players, is a good signing.
“When you come out of the Under-23s to League One there is a big jump in terms of the physicality. These young players are so quick and fit now they settle in no problem.
“There has been some exciting signings at Sunderland so I’m hopeful they can really push on this season.
“They have tried bringing experience in and it just hasn’t worked. They’re giving youngsters a go now and the balance looks really good.”
In other news, pundit claims Sunderland have been handed a ‘great opportunity’ after a major announcement.