EPL: Louis Saha Set To Join Roy Keane At Sunderland

Roy Keane has all but completed a move for Manchester United’s Louis Saha. The out-of-favor striker has been tipped with a move to the Stadium of Light all summer long and looks set to finally be making the move away from Old Trafford.

Sunderland are reported to have bid £8.5 million for Saha, and will make him the club’s highest paid player in its history with a £50,000 salary. Keane has already spent £20 million this summer on six summer signings, but is still anxious to strengthen his squad with even more reinforcements, starting with his former teammate, Saha.

“Hopefully there will be two or three players coming on board before the transfer window closes,” Keane said. “At the end of last season I thought we needed another top striker at the club and I’ve not changed that view because you’ve got to put the ball in the back of the net.”

Saha can definitely put the ball in the back of the net. Well, that is, if he’s fit. And if you’ll talk to any Manchester United supporters you’ll know that isn’t very often. The 30-year-old spent the majority of last season on the sidelines.

Six league starts and five goals in all competitions isn’t too impressive, especially considering Saha was merely a spectator during the business end of United’s season and nothing more than an onlooker as the team lifted both the Premier League title and Champions League trophy.

Manchester United bought Saha for just under £13 million from Fulham in 2003 but will most likely consider the 8.5 million pounds Sunderland are offering as a bargain. The majority of Manchester United fans have considered his departure as imminent all summer after witnessing yet another injury-laden season for the Frenchman. After all, Saha spent more time in the medical room then on the pitch last season.

If Sunderland hope to avoid another relegation battle, a solid striker is just what they need. But how solid is Saha? When he’s fit he’s got everything a striker needs to score goals: good finishing, great pace, athleticism, a good physical presence and brilliant aerial ability.

West Ham are also reported to have joined the race to sign Saha, but at the time being it looks more probable that we’ll be seeing Saha in a Sunderland jersey next season. Saha was even at the Stadium of Light recently as he watched Ajax defeat Sunderland 1-0 in a pre-season friendly. Was Saha getting an early feel for his future team’s style of play? Who knows.

If you’re a Manchester United supporter, start saying goodbye to the player who has graced the number nine jersey for nearly five years. And if you’re a Sunderland supporter, you better start praying Saha can actually stay fit next season.