Reader’s Corner: What will the future bring for Sunderland loanee Dion Sanderson?

It’s fairly apparent that Dion Sanderson is one of the best – or even the best – defender Sunderland have right now. And, with that in mind, all Sunderland fans are hoping we can buy him next season if we reach our goal of promotion.

Most Sunderland fans are very happy with Sanderson and how he’s performing on the pitch – but has the recent news of potential interest from elsewhere given us cause for hope, or left us feeling somewhat deflated?

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

In recent weeks, Sanderson has allegedly attracted attention from Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, as well as Sunderland. The fact he’s been linked with a move in the press – and for a reputed fee of £2m – is heartening in some respects.

However, this week, the defender has reiterated his commitment to establishing himself at Wolves, telling the Wolves official club site:

If the opportunity to play for Wolves presented itself, I would take it. Wolves have been my boyhood club, and it’s where I see myself in the future. I definitely see myself in the Premier League. I just have to keep my standards high for myself— that’s my aspiration and where I want to be.

As for Sunderland, he said:

I would be really chuffed if we do get promoted. If you know Sunderland’s history, they’ve been through a lot in the last ten years, so it would mean a lot to me and, more importantly, to the club, the players who have been there for a while, and the fans. We have a massive fanbase as well; the last ten years have been difficult for the club, from being in the Premier League to being relegated and relegated again. It would be class to secure promotion with them. We have a lot of games coming up, and I’m concentrating on what I’m doing on the field; anything else is not really the focus for the time being.

Of course, he’s bound to say the right things to his parent club’s site, and he always comes across as a smart, level-headed person when interviewed, so he’s not going to say anything that remotely hints at a move.

However it’s evident to anyone who’s watched him play this season that he’s a Premier League player in the making.

Photo by Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images

Will he be in Wolves’ first team next season, back at Sunderland, or elsewhere? Who knows.

What is clear, however, is that his form this season has increased his stock significantly – and, importantly, has demonstrated to both Sanderson and the wider football world that he’s ready for Championship football at the very least.

Which, in some respect, puts a bit of pressure on Wolves. It’s unlikely Sanderson will want to sit in their Under 23s all season next year and, with his contract apparently expiring at the end of next season, it will be an interesting summer for Dion.

While we’d all be happy to see him back on loan, wouldn’t it be great if we could sign him permanently? He’s someone who could be an integral part of this football club for a long, long time to come – and it’d make a real statement of intent about our future ambitions, too.

But we’ll only be part of the equation if we can get promoted this season.