Sunderland AFC tipped to cash in on Dan Ballard this summer on one condition | OneFootball

We asked our Sunderland fan pundit if he believes they will keep hold of Dan Ballard if they miss out on the Premier League

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Dan Ballard has been tipped to possibly leave Sunderland this summer if Regis Le Bris' side fail to win promotion to the Premier League, as the funds received would allow the squad to be strengthened.

Ballard has proved an excellent addition since joining the Black Cats from Arsenal in the summer of 2022, and it wouldn't be a surprise should the Northern Irish defender attract further transfer interest in the summer if Sunderland miss out on promotion.

It was reported by TBR Football in December that Ballard was attracting interest from Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Fulham, Wolves and even bitter rivals Newcastle United, and it looks like a matter of time before he's plying his trade in the top-flight.

With Sunderland in the mix for promotion this season, it looks like the 25-year-old will stay put, but it could well be a different story this summer should his side miss out on the Premier League.

Sunderland AFC: Dan Ballard summer transfer prediction made

We asked our Sunderland fan pundit, Jordan Newcombe, whether he expects the Black Cats to be able to retain Ballard should they miss out on the Premier League, and while he feels it could either way, he wouldn't be surprised if they were forced to sell.

Speaking to Football League World, Jordan said: "Regarding Dan Ballard, if we don’t get promoted, do I see us keeping him? I’d say quite possibly.

“There’s a chance that we might sell him due to how much we’d be able to get for him. He’s been here for about three years now, and he’s a great defender. He scores goals, keeps clean sheets and, unfortunately, a few own goals as well.

“Other than that, if we go up or not, I think we will see a side to selling Dan Ballard. In my opinion, we should keep him just as a back-up, because we don’t know what’s going to happen with injuries.

“If that’s the case, then he’s a massive player to keep if we can, but if not, and we do go to sell him, then we’ll have the funds to sign a Premier League defender, or one that’s played in the Premier League, but in my opinion, I do believe that we may end up selling him if we don’t go up.

“That’s to try and get the funds up to try and get better players in the squad to reach promotion the following season.”

Sunderland would be able to demand a big transfer fee for Dan Ballard

Ballard is young, British and under contract at Sunderland until 2028, so they could certainly demand a hefty transfer fee to part ways with him in the summer.

With so many Premier League clubs seemingly interested in him too, it could create a bidding war and should Sunderland have to sell him they can expect to make big money.

In an ideal world, Sunderland will win promotion this season and Ballard will play Premier League football at the Stadium of Light, but a failure to do so will leave them in a difficult position in the summer.

There's no doubt that the Black Cats would love to have the Northern Irishman amongst their ranks next season in the Championship, but a big-money bid would allow Sunderland to strengthen their squad and give themselves a better chance of promotion, so it's a real dilemma.

However, it's a dilemma that Regis Le Bris will hope he doesn't have to face, and winning promotion this season will ensure he won't have to, adding further incentive to reaching the top-flight.