Sunderland will be looking to build on their impressive start to the season when it comes to the January transfer market, but which striker should they sign?
After nine games, Sunderland are sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table. It’s early days, but it looks like relegation will not be a concern for the Black Cats.
Instead, they could well end up being the best promoted team of the Premier League era. To do so, they’ll be aiming to surpass Ipswich Town’s 66-point tally from the 2000/01 season, when the Tractor Boys finished fifth.
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Sunderland spent over £163m in the summer, but we are told Regis Le Bris will have backing from the board in January to spend again in order to pursue their lofty ambitions.
Apparently, a new striker is the priority for the Black Cats. So, who should they sign?
Riccardo Orsolini during Bologna v Atalanta - Serie A
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
Who should be Sunderland’s new striker?
Richarlison
Richarlison was wanted by Newcastle United in the summer, as well as interest emerging in the Middle East. But, he stayed put, and the Brazilian actually had a decent start to the season with Spurs.
He’s got three goals and two assists to his name so far, and Richarlison has even impressed Jermain Defoe, a player Sunderland fans know all about.
However, Tottenham fans are losing patience with Richarlison, and it’s thought the 28-year-old is very much available for transfer in the coming months.
While his injury record is a slight concern, there’s no denying that when fit, Richarlison is a hard-working, passionate player who has the ability to find the back of the net regularly.
He would arguably be a rather expensive gamble for Sunderland, but with lots of top flight experience, he could be exactly what the Black Cats need to get over the line.
Riccardo Orsolini
Admittedly, Riccardo Orsolini is largely employed as a right winger for Bologna, though he can play through the middle as well. Still, regardless of where exactly he plays, he’s bagged six goals in 11 games this season, and continues to be a real goal threat in Italy.
Signing someone like Orsolini would give Sunderland plenty of tactical flexibility and offer Le Bris the squad depth he craves. Much like Eliezer Mayenda, Bertrand Traore, and Saturday’s matchwinner Chemsdine Talbi, Orsolini would be a brilliant option for Le Bris to supplement his attacking roster on the right.
The 28-year-old has hit double figures in Serie A for the last three seasons and looks destined to do the same again in 2025/26. That is, unless Sunderland steal him away from Italy in January.
Fisnik Asllani of Hoffenheim celebrates scoring in the Bundesliga
Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Fisnik Asllani
If Sunderland are looking for a younger option in-keeping with their general transfer strategy, they may want to rival the likes of Spurs, Chelsea, and Aston Villa in pursuing Fisnik Asllani.
The 23-year-old Kosovan striker has made waves in the Bundesliga this season with five goals in eight games for Hoffenheim. He’s also got one goal and one assist in the DFB-Pokal.
Of course, there is always the risk that this could be a flash in the pan. Asllani bagged 18 goals in 2. Bundesliga last year, but that’s a significant step down from Premier League football. Do Sunderland really want to get involved in a bidding war for a player who may or may not be ready for England’s top flight?
Given they have Wilson Isidor firing in goals right now, plus Mayenda and Brian Brobbey, it may well be worth taking the risk on Asllani. It just depends whether the Black Cats are wanting a player who can make an immediate impact, or one who can flourish in the future.