The positive approach Sunderland took in the midst of the summer transfer market as a long-term view was taken

This is how the best football clubs operate – and it now seems to be the case in Sunderland

Since entering League One, Sunderland has typically only entered into contract negotiations with the players once they have entered the final months of their deals.

There are, of course, exceptions – and it should be noted that the vast majority of third tier clubs operate the same.

But Sunderland isn’t your typical League One club, is it?

With a Category 1 academy providing a constant flow of talent, there will be assets that will catch admiring glances from elsewhere – and it’s critical to proactively ensure they’re tied to contracts that protect their value. .

Last summer Jon McLaughlin – a goalkeeper who would undoubtedly have commanded high fees in today’s market – was allowed to walk for nothing, while the much-requested Luke O’Nien could follow suit again this summer. , as discussions about its future continue.

If Sunderland is to improve as a club, both from a footballing and fiscal point of view, this is an area that needs to be addressed.

And the first signs this summer are that it will.

During summer transfer windows, it can be easy to get bogged down in the short term and focus only on the current trading period rather than the big picture.

So much credit goes to Kristjaan Speakman and the club’s football team for being proactive when it comes to the club’s young players this summer.

And we hope Sunderland will continue to be proactive rather than reactive in moving forward.