It is only a few years ago that Sunderland were languishing in League One, missing out on the play-offs to Lincoln City. Now they sit 10th in the Premier League after 21 games, after a poor run of form.
The January transfer window is already in full swing, with teams ready to utilise the market to prepare for the second half of the season. The Black Cats, at one stage, looked to be pushing for a spot in the Premier League’s top four, and they will be keen to regain their former promise.
Whilst much of the attention will be on the club’s incomings, shedding some of the players who will not feature in the club’s first team can arguably be just as important to the squad’s overall morale.
With that, Sunderland look increasingly likely to sanction the sale of a midfielder who failed to break through at the club.
MK Dons Move for Former Bolton Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle Midfielder Jay Matete from Sunderland After Failed Transfer
24-year-old Jay Matete moved to Sunderland in January 2022 on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, whilst the club was in League One. He was part of the side that gained promotion back to the Championship but failed to showcase his ability in the second tier.
He enjoyed loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United, and most recently Bolton Wanderers in League One before returning to his parent club.
But now, with no clear pathway to the first team and Premier League football arguably a step too far, a permanent exit is looking all but guaranteed.
Paul Warne’s MK Dons now looks to be the team ready to take advantage of the situation. They are ready to make an offer to tempt the midfielder to drop down to League Two, according to FLW.
The title hopefuls have already shown their ambition in the transfer market, with Ben Wiles moving from Huddersfield Town to Milton Keynes.
MK Dons Use January Transfer Window to Show Title Ambitions in League Two
MK Dons have made no secret of their desire to return to League One at the earliest opportunity, and they have not been afraid to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
In the summer window, they convinced Nathan Mendez-Laing and Aaron Collins amongst others, to bolster Paul Warne’s squad.
The former Derby County manager could also be considered an ambitious move, with most of his managerial experience coming in League One or the Championship.
However, they have not had everything go their way so far, with the club currently sitting 5th, seven points behind Andy Woodman’s impressive Bromley side, having played a game more.
Therefore, MK Dons will do what very few sides in League Two can do and go shopping in the divisions above for talent that arguably should be playing at a higher level. Matete has played most of his football in League One, and whilst he hasn’t set the world alight, he would not look out of place in the third tier this season. It is a clear show of ambition from the Dons.