The Black Cats are thought to have made contact with Yann M’Vila to bid for his return, but Carlton Palmer has given a warning to Mick Beale.
The former French international midfielder, now 33 years old, spent the 2015-16 season on loan at Wearside and was a fan favourite, but they chose not to sign him permanently, and he has since played for Rubin Kazan, Saint-Etienne, and Olympiakos.
This week, reports emerged from his home country that Sunderland had been in talks with the player’s agency a
If he re-signs with the Black Cats, M’Vila will undoubtedly join a team where he will not have played much, having been a free agent since the summer.
As a result, and despite the need for experience in the Sunderland squad, former England player Carlton Palmer feels the Black Cats should avoid a homecoming for the Frenchman, regardless of whether it is what many fans want.
bout a possible return to the North East of England, sending the supporters into a frenzy.
“Mick Beale alluded to the fact that the team needed some experience to go with the talented youngsters they have after their recent defeat to Ipswich Town, something that Tony Mowbray had been harping on about for several weeks and months at Sunderland,” Palmer said in an exclusive interview with Football League World.
“Yann is 33 now and departed Olympiakos in the summer; he’s available for free.
“Sunderland will have competition from Lyon and Marseille, both of whom want to sign him.
I am always concerned about signing a player in January who has been without a club since the summer.
“Yes, he’s available for free, and yes, he has the necessary experience, but how long will it take to get up to speed?
“With 19 games remaining, Sunderland is last in the top six, tied with Coventry on points.”They need someone with experience who can hit the ground running – Mick, in my opinion, cannot afford to take that risk on a player who hasn’t played a game since the end of last season, even though he would be a popular pick among the supporters.
Even though M’Vila appears to be on track to return to Sunderland this month, there will be some reservations given that he hasn’t played a competitive game since May of last season.
Lyon and Marseille, two major French clubs, are also linked, providing stiff rivalry regardless of how important Sunderland is to M’Vila.
The seasoned holding midfielder was rock solid for Olympiakos last season, proving he can still play at Championship level – assuming he is signed.
Sunderland have been without a seasoned midfielder since losing Corry Evans to a knee injury a year ago, and their young engine room has at times appeared overrun by the second-tier’s more streetwise midfielders.
