Two Premier League targets Sunderland should be considering this week.

Jack Clarke’s recent departure to Premier League side Ipswich Town has been the major talking point, with the deal reportedly worth £15 million plus £5 million in add-ons, according to *The Athletic*. With these funds available, Sunderland has the opportunity to make further signings before the transfer window closes.

In addition to managing outgoings, the Black Cats are aiming to bring in at least one more player, with a striker being their top priority. They recently secured Wilson Isidor on loan from Zenit St Petersburg; the 23-year-old is versatile, capable of playing both on the wing and up front. The club is also in negotiations with RB Salzburg’s Roko Simic, as reported by the *Daily Mail*.

If Sunderland successfully completes the Simic deal, they may not pursue additional centre-forwards. However, if the deal falls through, the club should consider recruiting Ross Stewart or Jay Stansfield. While the idea of bringing Stewart back to Wearside might be divisive among fans, it could make sense for the team.

Ross Stewart would guarantee Championship goals

In short, Sunderland have yet to find a replacement for Ross Stewart since his move to Southampton. The Black Cats have struggled to fill the void left by the 28-year-old, with last season’s trio of Mason Burstow, Nazariy Rusyn, and Luis ‘Hemir’ Semedo managing only three goals between them. In contrast, Stewart netted ten goals in just 13 appearances the season before.

Given Southampton’s recent signings in the striker department, Stewart seems to be surplus to requirements at St Mary’s. Since his £10 million transfer from Sunderland, he has only made four appearances due to injuries.

Although getting back with a former player is often discouraged, football can be different. Sunderland could benefit from re-signing Stewart, and he could benefit from returning. He needs regular game time, which he isn’t getting in the Premier League, where he’s behind Adam Armstrong, Cameron Archer, and potentially Paul Onuachu in the pecking order.

Would Stewart score goals in the Championship? Absolutely. Do Sunderland need a proven goal scorer? Definitely. These two points alone make a strong case for Sunderland to consider bringing Stewart back, despite the potential for divided opinions among fans. While his departure was frustrating, Stewart did achieve promotion with Southampton, and injuries were the main reason he didn’t make a bigger impact.

Just as fans will eventually move on from Jack Clarke’s departure, they might welcome Stewart’s return if it were possible. Though a reunion seems unlikely, it’s an option Sunderland should keep in mind.

Jay Stansfield would be a great late addition

If Sunderland decide against pursuing Ross Stewart, Jay Stansfield should definitely be on their radar.

Considering his impressive loan spell at Birmingham City last season, it’s surprising that Sunderland hasn’t been linked with the Fulham forward. Stansfield netted 12 goals in 43 appearances for the Blues—four times more than Sunderland’s entire frontline managed collectively.

The 21-year-old has represented England at youth level and could likely be available for a loan, given the competition for spots at Craven Cottage. A loan move for Stansfield would be a low-risk option for Sunderland, potentially complementing the signing of a more experienced striker from whom Stansfield could learn.

Stansfield has shown steady improvement season by season, and his goal tally continues to rise. Sunderland, being a young team, would provide a seamless fit for the 21-year-old, who would also benefit from the solid service provided by Sunderland’s attacking setup.

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