With the January transfer window fast approaching, speculation is beginning to swirl once again – and if some of the recent rumours turn out to be true, Sunderland fans could be in for quite a ride.
From prospects to internationals and even the odd headline-grabbing link from Spain, the Black Cats continue to be connected with players right across Europe as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Régis Le Bris plan their next moves.
So, we thought we’d have a bit of fun. What might Sunderland’s dream squad look like if the club went all-in this winter and splashed £120million to take the next big step in their Premier League journey? Imagine a few of those rumoured signings walking through the doors at the Academy of Light, a handful of outgoings to balance the books, and a refreshed group ready to push on through the second half of the campaign.
Of course, this is purely hypothetical – a light-hearted look at what could be rather than what will be. But with Sunderland’s recruitment model evolving and their profile rising, it’s hard not to dream a little about what might come next on Wearside.
The Dutch goalkeeper has established himself as Régis Le Bris' number one goalkeeper and won't be going anywhere in January.
1. Robin Roefs
The Dutch goalkeeper has established himself as Régis Le Bris' number one goalkeeper and won't be going anywhere in January. | Chris Fryatt
The former Sheffield United goalkeeper forms an important part of the goalkeeping group at Sunderland and plays a key role behind the scenes.
2. Simon Moore
The former Sheffield United goalkeeper forms an important part of the goalkeeping group at Sunderland and plays a key role behind the scenes. | Frank Reid
Anthony Patterson is expected to attract interest this winter after losing his place to Robin Roefs, but he will only be allowed to leave if Sunderland can source a replacement.
3. Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson is expected to attract interest this winter after losing his place to Robin Roefs, but he will only be allowed to leave if Sunderland can source a replacement. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
Belgian outlet Walfoot report that the Black Cats are “willing to make an effort” to land Spileers, who has already made 84 senior appearances for Club Brugge, including 17 this season. The 20-year-old centre-back, valued at around €3.5million (£3million), is viewed as one of Belgium’s brightest young prospects and is admired for his ball-playing ability and defensive maturity. Sunderland already boast a strong relationship with Club Brugge following the success of Chemsdine Talbi, who made the same move to Wearside last summer. Brugge are believed to be in a strong negotiating position with Spileers under contract until 2028, though Borussia Mönchengladbach are also tracking the Belgium Under-21 international.
4. Jorne Spileers
Belgian outlet Walfoot report that the Black Cats are “willing to make an effort” to land Spileers, who has already made 84 senior appearances for Club Brugge, including 17 this season. The 20-year-old centre-back, valued at around €3.5million (£3million), is viewed as one of Belgium’s brightest young prospects and is admired for his ball-playing ability and defensive maturity. Sunderland already boast a strong relationship with Club Brugge following the success of Chemsdine Talbi, who made the same move to Wearside last summer. Brugge are believed to be in a strong negotiating position with Spileers under contract until 2028, though Borussia Mönchengladbach are also tracking the Belgium Under-21 international. | Getty Images