‘Special’: 24-year-old comments on Sunderland interest ahead of potential move

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Sunderland trialist Wouter Verstraaten has spoken about his stint with the Black Cats amid reports from Dutch outlet Eindhoven Dagblad that the Stadium of Light side has offered him a contract.

The 24-year-old centre-back currently plays for South Shields, having previously impressed in the Northern League for Consett AFC.

Verstraaten was previously at PSV Eindhoven’s academy but made the switch to England after moving to study at Durham University.

The Dutchman played for Sunderland’s development side against Liverpool’s U23s and is reported to have impressed the Black Cats coaches despite the Reds running out 6-0 winners.

In conversation with ED, Verstraaten discussed his “special” experience at the Academy of Light.

“They had seen me play and showed interest,” the “Rolls Royce” player told the outlet. “Special, yes. Half a year ago I played football at Geldrop and now I was allowed to test at Sunderland.

“I am realistic, but during that test internship I noticed that I was competing at that level.

“I’m going to graduate anyway and I’m like: why wouldn’t I play professional football for a few years? Then we will see where it ends.”

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Verstraaten certainly seems like a talented footballer, having previously played for one of the best academies in the Netherlands, and his move to the North East for university has put him on the radar of the region’s clubs.

Sunderland’s scouting network has done a good job in spotting the 24-year-old and offering him a trial, and if the reports about him being offered a contract are true, it would be a great outcome for both parties – the player will join a big club and Sunderland will have unearthed a gem.