Sunderland struck gold on “stunning” star who’s doubled in transfer value
Sunderand really did hit the jackpot signing this gem when they did.
Unbeaten in their last three matches now under Michael Beale, Sunderland will hope they can keep this positive sequence of results going to finally start consolidating a playoff spot in the Championship.
Boosted by fellow playoff aspirers Hull City slipping up yesterday, Beale’s Black Cats confidently dispatched of Plymouth Argyle in resounding fashion – a flurry of second-half goals seeing the Wearside outfit eventually stroll home to a 3-1 victory, jumping up to sixth spot in the process.
The rejuvenated promotion candidates were in further good spirits owing to a fantastic display from the defence with Daniel Ballard standing out, the ex-Arsenal youth product showing to the Sunderland masses what a shrewd purchase he has been by constantly starring in the second tier.
The signing of Daniel Ballard
Joining for an undisclosed fee back in 2022, with the reported fee coming in at around £2m, Ballard has never looked back since leaving the Emirates Stadium behind for pastures new in Wearside.
Routinely loaned out to the EFL whilst still attempting to make it at Arsenal – with a loan switch to League One Blackpool even seeing Ballard score twice from the heart of defence – the 24-year-old has now found a new home to call his own in Sunderland after leaving his boyhood Gunners behind.
The decision to bring Ballard in has proven to be a fantastic one, with the 6 foot 2 defender now a cemented first-teamer at the Stadium of Light when he’s not bandaged up on the sidelines with an injury.
Showing signs of his quality under Tony Mowbray’s management, Ballard will hope he can continue being as integral under Beale in the months to come as the Black Cats begin to eye up promotion.
Sunderland could well have to stand strong if other suitors attempt to swoop in and steal the towering number five in the near future though, with the 24-year-old’s transfer value skyrocketing off the back of impressing in the Championship.
Daniel Ballard’s transfer value in 2024
There will be an obvious temptation from the powers that be at Sunderland that they could cash in on Ballard and make a healthy profit however, with the imposing defender’s transfer value now standing at €5.3m (£4.5m), as per Football Transfers.
