The latest Sunderland AFC news as sporting director Kristjaan Speakman gives his verdict on the transfer window, new contracts and the start to the Premier League campaign.
Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman (right) has given his verdict on the recent summer transfer window.
Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman (right) has given his verdict on the recent summer transfer window.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is hoping the Black Cats can build on their strong summer transfer window and take it into their Premier League campaign. It's been a busy window for the Wearsiders, with 15 new faces through the door, although Marc Guiu has returned to Chelsea following an injury to Liam Delap and a lack of striker options.
The Black Cats have won two of their opening three games back in the top-flight after winning promotion last season and have spent an estimated £183.4million - according to Sky Sports - as they strive to avoid relegation.
"We're really pleased with the progress we've made over the last three months," Speakman revealed after the transfer window slammed shut. "I think to come out of the window, where the squad is at, I think it gives us great foundations for the season ahead.
"Naturally, being a play-off final winner, the season is a little bit shorter for us so we wanted to build some momentum and the quickest way to do that is to get high-quality players in, which we felt we did.
"It gives some proven points to what we're doing, gives us something to talk about with other players and supporters and what we're hopefully done is build momentum right through the window until the final day.
"We're really pleased with the start, the three games and the performances across those three games. I think what is most pleasing is the players are showing and demonstrating the culture, understanding the connection with club, understanding what the club means to the community.
"On top of that, being able to put the performances in that fit with the identity and I think that we've seen a Sunderland team in the first three games - whether you're a member of staff or a supporter - where you can be proud of the team.
New Sunderland signing Lutsharel Geertruida poses for pictures with Kristjaan Speakman.
New Sunderland signing Lutsharel Geertruida poses for pictures with Kristjaan Speakman.
"Building team spirit is really important. I think you can see a really good team forming and a really, really good squad. I think you can see some positive relationship between the players and, look, in the positive moments it comes to fruition.
"When we have some more difficult moments in the season, which I'm sure we will have, I'm also sure we'll see the value of that team work."
Sunderland signed three players on deadline day with Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traore joining the club from Ajax, while Lutsharel Geertruida also signed - on a season-long loan. When asked about that business on the final day of the window, Speakman added: "It's really important for us to have different options, to have squad depth and competition most importantly on the training field so every day there's a high level. It gives the coach and the coaches the best squad to pick from every Saturday.
"Going into those games, we're going to need different profiles and players to play different positions, different roles, which we've seen over the first three games. It's really important that we've got enough variety but, most important, enough quality."
Patrick Roberts won promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland in May.
Patrick Roberts won promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland in May.
Sunderland also saw a number of players depart on deadline day, with Niall Huggins, Jenson Seelt, Alan Browne, Oliver Bainbridge and Patrick Roberts leaving on loan. The latter of those has been a mainstay since arriving from Manchester City back in League One, with Speakman heaping praise on the outgoing winger.
"It's really difficult when you talk about team spirit and culture and then you lose players who are instrumental in that," the Black Sats sporting director said. "Patrick has been really instrumental for us in the last four years.
"For him to come to take the chance to come to Sunderland in the first place, when it wasn't an obvious choice and to play the number of games he has - not just that - you're looking for big players like that to affect big moments. When you look at both the Sheffield Wednesday game and the final, in May, [he was] really influential and has got the club where it has to.
"It's a massive thanks to him and, hopefully, it's a chance for him to go and play more regular games."
Nazariy Rusyn would also depart the club yesterday, but Sunderland were unable to find moves for Ian Poveda, Jay Matete, Timothee Pembele and Joe Anderson after they were told they wouldn't be a part of Regis Le Bris' plans this season. There remains a possibility that Milan Aleksic could still depart on loan, while finding a temporary move for Ahmed Abdullahi is also on the cards.
Sunderland also made a statement of intent by offering head coach, Le Bris, a new deal this summer, while Luke O'Nien, Trai Hume and Chris Rigg penned new terms. Speakman said: "I think we've always said it's not just about what we do in the transfer window it's about all the components. The transfer window is one of those but I think the start point, Regis committing to the football club is really important.
"As the head coach everyone is looking at that position for stability and continuity and consistency. From there you can build out.
"We're really pleased to have the players that have been part of our journey and we feel can move to the next step and be part of the future for Sunderland in the Premier league, for them to also see it as the best place for them, I think is really pleasing."
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris signed a new contract this summer.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris signed a new contract this summer.
The Black Cats head into the international break in sixth place before returning to top-flight action against Crystal Palace later this month.
"It's a really good moment reflect for the team," Speakman said. "We've got a small group in training at the minute, we've now got lots of players on international duty so it's a different problem for us to solve going into the Crystal Palace game when we come out of the window.
"Everyone is geared up behind-the-scenes. We've hopefully had a really positive window, but that's all it is at the minute, it's given us a foundation.
"There's no point having a good foundation unless we go and build on it and that's certainly our intent in the next coming weeks and months."
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