Lee Cattermole’s exit should give Bali Mumba a chance to shine at Sunderland

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When Lee Cattermole left Sunderland at the start of the month it was an exit which Sunderland fans understood. His wages had become an issue and the midfielder simply had to get off the books. However, Cattermole’s departure might ultimately benefit talented Sunderland midfielder, Bali Mumba. 

Cattermole left Sunderland after 10 years at the club earlier this month. As reported by The Chronicle, the Sunderland fan favourite was on £40,000-a-week at the Stadium of Light. Such a wage was no longer sustainable and, therefore, his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Despite being linked with Sheffield Wednesday, he remains a free agent. 

His departure certainly leaves a hole in the Sunderland midfield for a new fan favourite to emerge. 

Teenage midfielder Mumba will undoubtedly hope to take that space. 

The 17-year-old played the full 90 minutes as a 16-year-old as Sunderland defeated Charlton Athletic on the opening day. He went on to play the next two games before finding himself back on the fringes.

He was then handed a new deal in November, signalling Sunderland’s intent for Mumba to be a future star. Unfortunately, since signing the new deal, Mumba has not featured in the Sunderland first-team. 

Last month, The Chronicle reported on how Mumba might head out on loan next season. 

But with Sunderland struggling to bring in new faces and Cattermole now gone perhaps the time is right to build the future around their teenage dynamo.