Sunderland have just a few days to complete any January transfers, but who does AI think they could sign?
The end of the January transfer window is fast approaching, but there’s still time for Sunderland to conclude some deals.
It’s hardly surprising to see the Black Cats quiet this winter, given their lavish summer spend that saw the likes of Habib Diarra, Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka and more arrive at the Stadium of Light. However, Regis Le Bris likely wouldn’t say no to a couple of extra tweaks in his squad as he seeks to keep Sunderland looking up the table rather than down.
But who could Sunderland sign in the next couple of days, and who could they part ways with to help fund those deals? To answer those questions, we’ve turned to X’s AI chatbot, Grok.
AI predicts the rest of Sunderland’s January transfer window
Transfer in: Ayase Ueda (from Feyenoord, £22m)
Grok: Sunderland's attack has relied heavily on Brian Brobbey (5 goals) and scattered contributions from Wilson Isidor and others, but the team has managed only 24 goals in 23 matches—solid for survival but lacking clinical edge in tight games. Feyenoord's Ayase Ueda, the Eredivisie's runaway top scorer with 18 goals this season, brings proven finishing, movement, and composure to provide immediate competition and hold-up play to complement Brobbey. At £22m (reflecting his exceptional form, market value as a 27-year-old Japan international, and Feyenoord's strong position), this represents high-value recruitment for a prolific forward who can elevate goal output. This move would help convert more chances into points and support a push toward a top-half finish in Sunderland’s return season.
Transfer out: Eliezer Mayenda (to Paris FC, £5m)
Grok: The young forward has shown glimpses but struggled for consistent starts and output (limited goals from sub roles), with ongoing negotiations with Ligue 1 side Paris FC indicating strong interest. A £5m permanent sale (reasonable for his potential and age) would generate useful funds or reduce commitments, allowing focus on more proven options up top. It frees minutes for academy prospects or new arrivals, prevents squad overcrowding in attack, and fits the club's model of moving on players who aren't yet ready for regular Premier League football—ensuring resources stay targeted on clear needs ahead of the deadline.
Transfer in: Harvey Elliott (From Liverpool, free loan)
Grok: With Enzo Le Fée shining creatively but limited goal output from wide areas and rotation players like Chemsdine Talbi or Romaine Mundle still developing, extra flair on the flanks or in advanced midfield would unlock more attacking patterns. Harvey Elliott, currently on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool, has struggled since his summer 2025 move to Villa Park—frozen out for months due to the obligation-to-buy clause (triggered after 10 appearances, worth around £35m) that Unai Emery has avoided activating, leaving him sidelined and frustrated. A loan switch (no upfront fee, typical for such out-of-favour talents) provides low-risk tactical flexibility under Régis Le Bris—vital for maintaining momentum in a competitive mid-table scrap, while giving the 22-year-old England international regular minutes. This addition boosts creativity, dribbling, key passes for Brobbey, and overall attacking options without long-term commitment.
Transfer out: Bertrand Traore (£3m)
Grok: The experienced winger's limited impact (minimal goals/assists from sparse minutes) and age (30) suggest he's surplus in a youthful, high-pressing setup. A £3m permanent sale (modest given his profile and contract situation) would open space for younger talents like Talbi or Adingra to develop, reduce the wage bill in a financially prudent squad, and allow reinvestment in long-term assets. With depth already strong in wide areas via recent signings like Jocelin Ta Bi, this move streamlines the group without losing quality, supporting sustained mid-table security as the window closes.
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