As supporters open presents on Christmas Day, many will be hoping their beloved football clubs can produce more gifts in the January transfer window.
Sunderland are bound to be active in the market, with Regis Le Bris confirming the club will attempt to strengthen their attack. The window should also see departures from the Stadium of Light, with a host of players struggling for minutes.
With several players already linked with moves, FLW takes a look at the potential transfers which could give the Black Cats a happy New Year.
Louie Barry should be on Sunderland's incoming wanted list
Louie Barry
One player who will almost certainly be on the move in January is Louie Barry, who is currently enjoying the best season of his career with Stockport County.
The versatile attacker is currently on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, but he is set to be recalled by his parent club to sanction a Championship loan move, as per to Birmingham World.
Middlesbrough are in the hot seat to sign Barry, according to Darren Witcoop. However, according to the Sunday Mirror (page 67, 15/12/2024_, they will face stiff competition, with the likes of Sunderland, Leeds United and Burnley all set to battle it out for his services.
While Boro might be favourites to land the 21-year-old, the Black Cats could steal a march on their rivals by offering the player regular minutes. Teenage sensation Tommy Watson is sidelined for two months with injury, while Romaine Mundle has faced a lengthy spell on the treatment table too.
Barry has been in phenomenal form for Stockport this season and is one of the leading goalscorers in the division. His ability is above League One and that has been reflected in the clubs linked with his signature.
With the winger set to secure a move to a leading Championship side, he could have a major role to play in the promotion race. Sunderland must ensure they do all they can to secure his services as he could be a real asset for the Wearsiders.
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Abdoullah Ba
Perhaps the biggest name linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light is Abdoullah Ba, who has failed to make an impact this campaign.
Despite being a regular in the Sunderland side last season, the midfielder has dropped down the pecking order under Le Bris, and must be deemed surplus to requirements.
It has been reported that Ba will be allowed to leave in January along with the likes of Nazariy Rusyn and Adil Aouchiche, although the latter has started to make an impact on the first team.
A move for Ba seems in the best interests of all parties, considering he is rotting away on the sidelines. Whether that be a permanent or loan remains to be seen, but the primary objective for the player must be minutes on the pitch.
If the club can receive a reasonable fee for the player, then it will likely be enough to sell, but a loan move would also be good for his development, considering he is only 21.
While there have been no clubs linked with the player, interest should not be a problem as he has shown his potential in patches on Wearside. Perhaps a move to France would see the player get back to playing his best football.
Abdoullah Ba's 2023/24 Championship statistics with Sunderland - per SofaScore
Appearances
Goals
Expected goals (xG)
Assists
Expected assists (xA)
Accurate passes per game
January is set to be a crucial window for the Black Cats, and it is one they must take full advantage of if they are to achieve promotion to the promised land.
Clubs are likely to be battling it out for the same players and Sunderland will be hoping they can persuade more young talent to join their already impressive squad.
Although the club will be focusing on incomings, they must also get their departures right too, with Le Bris set to play a key role in any activity.