Sunderland ‘to consider’ Dan Ballard sale this summer | OneFootball

Chris Waddle believes Sunderland could consider cashing in on Dan Ballard this summer after the defender’s outstanding first Premier League campaign.

"Dan Ballard has come up from the Championship, and they almost have a new team entirely and he's fitted in. The manager's obviously given him an opportunity like he did with the rest of them," Waddle said. "Listen, if his team's looking at him at the minute, Sunderland don't need to sell. But they probably will, because that's the way their format's gone now," he told BetVictor.

Ballard joined from Arsenal in summer 2022 and has passed 100 appearances across competitions. He leads Sunderland for clearances with 180 and aerial duels won with 101, and is third for passes completed on 845.

He is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2029, with an option for a further year. "I think they've gone down that road of Bournemouth and Brentford, who produce players and find players and sell them for ridiculous money," Waddle said. "If the offers are big enough for any of these players who've had a good season, then they will consider the price is right. But I've not heard anybody after him."

For now, Ballard and Sunderland turn to the Tyne-Wear derby away at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Source: Sunderland Echo