Mateo Bajamich reveals why his move to Sunderland didn't happen after completing Houston Dynamo switch

The Argentinian striker, who also holds a Croatian passport, emerged as a surprise target for the Black Cats earlier this summer as Phil Parkinson eyed attacking recruits who would not count towards the new League One salary cap.

While a six-figure bid was understood to have been lodged for the former Instituto striker, Bajamich completed a $1.2million move to Houston Dynamo earlier this week.

And the striker has now discussed the interest he received from Europe – and why he didn’t ultimately make the move to Sunderland, or one of the other sides on the continent who showed an interest.

Championship sides were also understood to be keen on the 21-year-old, with loan moves mooted.

But Bajamich claimed that neither himself nor his former club felt the offers present were particularly convincing, although he left the door open on a move to Europe in the future.

"I think the offers from Europe were not very convincing for me or the club,” he said, speaking to Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis.

"This could be a great leap in my career – to go to the MLS and then Europe later in my career.”

“I think it [the move to Houston] is a great step in my career,” he continued.

"I can continue growing as a player.”

Sunderland remain in the market for new signings ahead of the October 16 deadline, with defenders a high priority.

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