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David Moberg Karlsson insists he is not thinking about 'giving up' on Sunderland despite failing to make any impact on the first team picture at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking to gt.se, the winger said:
Right now it does not feel like I'm really close getting a spot in the team, but I have no intention of giving up here yet. I've only been at Sunderland for six months.
Quite right too. When Karlsson was signed it was clear that he was one for the future; a developmental project. I don't think anyone is especially shocked at how little he has played.
Well, except sections of the press, that is, who have seemed desperate to write off Sunderland's whole summer, even to the point of dismissing the younger players who were not intended for an immediate first team position.
That said, it would be nice to see Karlsson and a couple of his under-21s teammates head out on loan to play some competitive football. There have been suggestions in his homeland that his former club IFK Göteborg could be one possible destination, but the youngster has dismissed that idea too - but may reconsider if former Sunderland winger Tobias Hysen makes room by completing a rumoured move to China.
Probably all for the best really. With at least 11 games to come over the next month, Sunderland may just need to give Karlsson an opportunity soon themselves.