Kieran Maguire issues ‘toxic’ Sunderland transfer claim amid talks latest
The uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of Sunderland is hurting their chances in the transfer market.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Stewart Donald and Charlier Metheven’s quest to sell their shares.
Methven and Donald, both members of the previous ruling Madrox regime, are keen to offload their combined 39 per cent stake in the Black Cats.
A number of parties have been linked, most recently cryptocurrency firm The Fans Together.
The Fans Together have, according to The Athletic last Sunday (12 June), engaged in talks with Methven and Donald as they look to thrash out a deal.
Sunderland meanwhile are preparing for life in the Championship after a four-season hiatus, with the transfer window set to open in two weeks’ time.
And Maguire explains that Alex Neil’s recruitment budget will be limited by the continued “toxic” presence of Methven and Donald.
“If you’re thinking of selling your house, you don’t go and put in a new kitchen,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Therefore, the inclination is to restrict rather than expand the budget because somebody else is going to benefit from it. The quicker the uncertainty goes away, the better.
“The current arrangement with Methven and Donald is a strange one. They are toxic. They’re good for ratings on Sunderland ‘Til I Die but they harm the credibility of the club.”
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is Sunderland’s largest individual shareholder with 41 per cent.
The Black Cats will play two matches in Portugal as part of their pre-season preparations.
In other news, Alan Hutton suggests Rangers may replace Alfredo Morelos with “elite” striker after update from England.