Assessing Callum Styles’ Sunderland future

This is a pretty simple ‘no’ from me, because he isn’t good enough if you’re a team with the ambition to get promoted next season.
I know that all teams need utility players, but I haven’t seen anything from Styles since he arrived at Sunderland that suggests he’s worth paying money for in the summer.
There’ll be far better players than him available as free transfers when the season is over and done with, so whilst he’ll go with our best wishes, he’s probably better off trying to get back in the team at Barnsley or moving to an ambitious League One club who might be challenging for something next season. Ewan Bowman says…
I wouldn’t sign Styles on a permanent deal, for the simple reason that I think there are other positions that are more of a priority.
He’s best when playing at left wing back, but with Aji Alese fit, Leo Hjelde on the bench and the return of Dennis Cirkin next season, we’ll be covered in that area of the pitch.
Although he’s versatile and can also play in other positions, I don’t think he’s pulled up any trees since being here.
The aim for the club has to be promotion, and when identifying targets, the goal has to be players who are capable of getting us promoted, and I don’t see Styles fitting that bill. Kelvin Beattie says…
At the risk of sounding like Simon Cowell, it’s a ‘no’ from me.
Whilst Styles’ performances have improved and he’s shown some tidy touches recently, it’s not been enough for me. I’m looking for additions who’ll drive us towards the Premier League and hopefully play there themselves, but he’s not that player.
With Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde, I believe we’re reasonably well-stocked at left back/left wing back.
In midfield, I expect us to augment the talent we already have there, pending outgoings and incomings, and the lad quite simply hasn’t done enough to force his way into the midfield reckoning.
A no from me, but the best of luck to him moving forward!