Godwin ObajeChris Sutton Aims Jibe at Sunderland Over Lennon Miller Transfer Links
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has fired a stinging rebuke in Sunderland’s direction amid speculation linking the newly-promoted Premier League side with highly-rated Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who impressed in the Scottish Premiership last season and starred on his senior Scotland debut in a 4-0 win against Liechtenstein, has attracted interest from across Europe. Reports this week suggested Sunderland are among the clubs exploring a move, with talk of a potential £10million bid surfacing.
However, Sutton, now a prominent pundit, has questioned both the fee and the logic behind a move to Wearside, launching a blunt verdict on Sunderland’s Premier League credentials.
“Celtic have the money and they spent similar amounts on guys like Vasilis Barkas – and look how that went,” Sutton said. “I don’t see it as a similar risk. Even if it gets to £8million or £10million, that’s the kind of money found down the back of most EPL couches.
“Sunderland have been linked already, but he shouldn’t be tempted by that one. They’ll go straight back down, and would he rather be in the Champions League or the Championship? It’s a no-brainer for me.”
Sunderland, fresh from a return to the Premier League, are in the midst of a strategic rebuild under sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey. With Jobe Bellingham departing for Borussia Dortmund in a lucrative move, the club remains focused on acquiring young, high-upside players. Miller, who has emerged as one of Scotland’s most exciting prospects, fits that profile.
Despite the speculation, sources close to Motherwell have reportedly downplayed the immediacy of any formal bids. According to GlasgowWorld, suggestions of a £10million offer from Sunderland are “premature”, though interest from England, Germany, Italy and Belgium is understood to be genuine.
Motherwell are believed to be open to selling if the price is right. Any eventual transfer is expected to eclipse the £3.25million the club received for David Turnbull in 2020. Miller, who is under contract at Fir Park until 2026, captained the side on occasion last season and has earned widespread praise for his maturity and composure in midfield.
Sutton, who won four Scottish league titles with Celtic and played a vital role in Blackburn Rovers’ 1994-95 Premier League triumph, is no stranger to strong opinions. The ex-England international, who now works as a pundit, remains a vocal presence when it comes to Scottish football matters.
Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to assess their transfer options ahead of a challenging top-flight campaign. While Miller would represent a statement of intent, any move is likely to depend on whether the Black Cats are prepared to meet Motherwell’s rising valuation.
For now, the teenager is expected to report for pre-season training with the Scottish side as speculation around his future intensifies.
Godwin Obaje
