Sunderland have 'very clever' plan for their rising stars - expert
Sunderland are right to try to involve some of their U21 squad in their Europa League campaign next term.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Black Cats will be "saving money" by involving the youngsters.
This comes after reports that boss Regis Le Bris will be looking to push some of the academy talent forward this season, with a view to balancing the workload of the squad.
Wyness believes that this is a sensible "strategy" for the Wearsiders, but noted that they may not go very far in the Europa League as a result.
Sunderland haven't played in a major European competition since the 1973/74 campaign, but have secured their return for 2026-27.
Le Bris will need to manage the squad across continental and Premier League campaigns, and Wyness believes that the U21 side will be invaluable when it comes to helping him in that department.
Sunderland ready to sacrifice Europa League
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Sunderland may be about to sacrifice their Europa League campaign to ensure domestic success.
Clubs have repeatedly struggled to manage both European and domestic campaigns, with both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace facing significant drop-offs in the league last term.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that he is fully on board with Sunderland's plans.
"When I looked into it, it made sense to me. I trust the manager there who spots talent, and I think they feel that the U21s, while they may not just be fully ready for Europe, certainly the experience will help them a lot," he said.
"I think that's great to have the club showing faith in the younger players to do this. There's the obvious thought that are they saving money? They're not spending to get some more depth in the squad while they're in Europe.
"They've obviously decided that they may not be going too far in Europe, but still the experience they'll be able to give those young players without having to spend too much on the depth and focus on the first team in the Premier League, I think it's a very clever strategy.
"I think they get a lot of things right at Sunderland. And I think this is one more that I'd back them on, so again, two ticks on this one."
Sunderland 'expecting' Brian Brobbey offer
Football Insider recently revealed that Sunderland are "expecting" an offer to come in for striker Brian Brobbey in the next few weeks.
Manchester United have shown a strong interest in the Dutchman of late, who also has admirers from across Europe.
Brobbey caught the eye with seven goals in his debut Premier League campaign last term, and also impressed on an individual level at this summer's World Cup.
Le Bris has every intention of keeping hold of his star striker, and plans to build the team around him next season.