Could this be Jack Ross’ biggest transfer blunder for Sunderland this summer?

Why Sunderland should have retained Joel Asoro this summer

Joel Asoro has officially completed a move to Swansea City from Sunderland.

Asoro, 19, joined Sunderland from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna back in 2015. He made 29 appearances for the Wearside club last season, scoring three goals.

Sunderland, who were relegated to League 1 this past season, have decided to cash in Asoro, who had just a year left on his deal. The Black Cats have accepted a £2m fee but selling the young winger is indeed a big mistake.

Sunderland had an embarrassing season in the Championship as they were relegated to the League One. Chris Coleman tried to save the sinking ship but eventually couldn’t and was sacked in the dying stages of the previous season.

Jack Ross is the current man at the helm for Sunderland as the club arguably faces its biggest ever season. The likes of Paddy McNair and Fabio Borini have left the club and Asoro’s departure would sting the manager as well as the fans.

Asoro was one of the few shining lights for Sunderland in an otherwise forgettable campaign in the Championship last season. The 19-year-old appeared 29 times last season, with the highlight of the youngster’s season coming during an away game against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Asoro steamed in like a tracer bullet in a solo run before thumping the ball past the goalkeeper from 25 yards out. While Sunderland lost 2-1 to Fulham, Asoro emerged with a lot of praises for his individual performance and a classic goal.

Interestingly, Asoro was only 17 years of age when David Moyes handed him his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough in August 2016. He has enjoyed successful periods in the Black Cats’ Under-23 side and has also represented Sweden in the Under-21 level.

In terms of his style of play, Asoro is a speed bullet with pace his primary asset. He is lightning fast on the ball and off it, and is quite direct in his approach and works tirelessly. The youngster is versatile, can play on either wing and as a secondary striker. In addition to that, he possesses clinical scoring prowess and composure. Hailing from Sweden, Asoro is an exciting forward and is capable of beating his man with raw pace and trickery.

Considering all his attributes, it does seem surprising that Sunderland accepted Swansea’s bid in the first place. It is indeed a ludicrous decision by the club to let go of one of their prized assets.

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If Asoro goes on to unlock his potential under Graham Potter at Swansea, the decision to sell the young gun would seriously come back to bite Sunderland.