Duncan Watmore is exactly what Sunderland need next season - but a summer exit could allow both parties to flourish

Duncan Watmore looks likely to leave Sunderland AFC this summer

Pace, power and the ability to chip in with the odd goal are all essential prerequisites. So too is a desire to be in it for the long-haul, to stay loyal to Sunderland despite their current trough in their illustrious history.

It begs the question, therefore, as to why little consideration is being given to tying Duncan Watmore down to a longer-term deal.

As a player, the 26-year-old ticks all those boxes and in a number of his cameo appearances - particularly the 5-0 win over Tranmere Rovers back in October - has shown what he could add to this Sunderland side.

And as a character, Watmore is just what Sunderland need moving forward. He has committed himself to the area, to the football club, and has spoken recently about a desire to repay the faith the North East has shown in him.

Yet in many circles, the forward has already been assigned to the scrap heap; the debate over whether he is worthy of a new contract already settled.

Watmore has arguably been a victim of circumstance.

He has been part of a Sunderland side that suffered back-to-back relegations, despite being the antithesis of many players who rocked-up at the Academy of Light during that period.

His injury record is already pointed to. Though this is no fault of his own, it will forever act as a shackle around his ankles on Wearside.

So for this reason, a summer exit looks best for both parties.

For Sunderland, of course, there are natural financial benefits to the forward moving on. He remains the only player at the club on a contract that was dished out during the Premier League years, and this will naturally be a consideration.

And for Watmore too, it could allow him to flourish in an environment where he isn’t associated with injury and an unsuccessful side.

But here’s hoping that these aren’t the abiding memories of Watmore when he does depart the Stadium of Light.

For as an individual, you could not meet anyone more committed to Sunderland AFC.

Let that be remembered.