‘Good call!’: Sunderland fans back big Benji Kimpioka contract decision - but not everyone is convinced

Sunderland fans have backed Stewart Donald’s decision to offer Benji Kimpioka a four-year contract - and feel it will protect the club’s investment in the youngster.
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Speaking in the Swedish press earlier this week, Kimpioka revealed that he was offered the long-term contract by the Black Cats late last year – with his current terms set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

And while he is yet to put pen to paper on the deal, Sunderland supporters have backed the decision to offer the 20-year-old a lengthy contract.

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Over 2,000 supporters voted in a poll on our @sunechosafc Twitter account, with 58.8 per cent believing the move by Donald and the Black Cats’ hierarchy was a good call.

Will Benji Kimpioka pen a new deal at Sunderland?Will Benji Kimpioka pen a new deal at Sunderland?
Will Benji Kimpioka pen a new deal at Sunderland?

Kimpioka is yet to establish himself in the first team on Wearside, but has netted once in League One this term.

Here’s what supporters had to add on social media:

@matthewftm said: “Good call, raw ability but clearly got resale value if he doesn’t fully reach his potential. Not a risk at all, and commend the club for actually giving a long contract to a a player”

@stubbsm added: “I like him, direct and raw. Will get at the defence and make runs behind. Has pace. Needs to play in a 2 up front as to young and inexperienced to lead the line. People writing him off and the lads never had a chance to impress. Watch this space. Good luck to the lad.”

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Not everybody is convinced by Kimpioka’s potential, however - and some are concerned that another Josh Maja saga could be in the offing.

@paulbasnett10 said: “The lad ain’t good enough.”

@DavidHindmarsh7 added: “Don’t know how anyone can think it’s sensible giving him a 4-year deal. He’s done nothing to deserve the contract”

@garyparkin tweeted: “Don’t think his heart is in it he’s trying to pull a Maja only problem for him he’s not the same level as Maja”

@BenjUKFC posted: “20 yr old and barely broken the first team... not exactly showing signs of youthful dominance”