Manchester United wonderkid Amad Diallo will not return to Sunderland for another loan spell with the Black Cats predicting a breakout season in the top flight for the winger instead.
A fine season in the Championship saw Amad, 20, hit 14 goals en route to the play-off semi-finals, where Sunderland were defeated by Luton.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman expects the Ivory Coast international to challenge for a spot in the United team next season or earn a loan move to a top-tier club in Europe.
“I’m so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray, Sunderland manager] and had a vibrant smile on his face,” Speakman told The Athletic.
“He loved it. Naturally, that’s what we want.
“Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don’t think so.
“He should be playing in tier one, in England, LaLiga, Bundesliga, wherever. That’s the level of player he is. The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland.”
LIVE BLOG: Follow the latest transfer news and rumours
United paid an initial £21m to sign Amad in 2021 when he was a relatively unheard-of prospect at Atalanta.
Erik ten Hag is set to take a look at him in pre-season to determine whether he can make the grade at Old Trafford next season, although he faces stiff competition in the form of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and likely Mason Mount for a place on the wing.
