Sunderland eye reinforcements after injuries and recall of Fred
Sunderland are still looking to strengthen their squad before the end of this month – with attacking reinforcements the club’s priority.
Sunderland moved quickly to bring in teenage right-back Trai Hume from Northern Irish club Linfield FC early in the window.
Hume, aged 19, has not featured for Sunderland yet, but is seen as a long-term asset after signing a four-and-a-halfyear contract on Wearside.
In terms of outgoings, defender Frederik Alves has been recalled by Premier League side West Ham United, which will free up some funds in Sunderland’s budget.
The Black Cats are also looking to send some of their younger players out on loan to gain more first-team experience.
So far, striker Will Harris and midfielder Stephen Wearne have joined Barrow and Torquay in League Two and the National League respectively.
The priority for Sunderland is to provide support for Ross Stewart up front.
With Nathan Broadhead set to be sidelined until about March time, Benji Kimpioka is the only other recognised striker in the Black Cats’ squad.
Sunderland are also in the market for another attacking midfielder, with Manchester City playmaker Patrick Roberts just one player they have been tracking.
The squad is also light in
central midfield, after Luke O’Nien suffered a long-term injury, and at centre-back following Alves’ departure.
Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is clearly someone who would be welcomed back on Wearside.
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson has said that the club are aware of Defoe’s situation after the player left
Rangers last week, but did say there are ‘a million and one’ things that would have to fall into place.
Still, the Sunderland boss didn’t rule out a move and spoke at length about Defoe’s professionalism and attachment to the area.
If the 39-year-old does decide to carry on playing, a return to the Stadium of Light
would surely be a possibility.
When asked about the club’s transfer situation ahead of Saturday’s trip to Accrington Stanley, Johnson spoke about the challenges and competition in the market.
“You’re in the mix for players but there's fierce competition,” he said.
“We're in the mix and we're active and there’s been a lot of support from board level to do the right things.
“The reality is that we've just got to make sure whatever we do is right for the short, medium and long-term.
“I’m comfortable and happy with the squad, although of course I'd like to improve it.
“We’ve got to keep driving on and moving forward, and that includes the evolution on the squad.
“We’re in the mix, but we've got to see what happens.”
Sunderland will be looking at loan deals from Premier League teams.
However, clubs may now be more reluctant to let players leave due to Covid-19 issues and backlog of fixtures.