Phil Smith takes an early look at the summer transfer window as part of a Q&A with supporters
As part of our On The Whistle video feature, Phil asked fans last week for talking points they'd like to see discussed with the club currently in a prolonged break from fixtures.
The video Q&A will be available on our YouTube page from Tuesday evening, while Phil will also be producing more detailed written accompaniments in a series here on the Sunderland Echo website. In the first edition he answers the following question from a supporter: What would be the top three positions you would recruit in this summer?
Inevitably, Sunderland's summer transfer priorities will be guided to a large extent by any major departures. With key players under contract for extended periods, the club are in a good position if and when interest materialises in the players who have been key to their successful campaign but the reality is that some sales in the long term are unavoidable.
Some positions will likely have to be addressed either way, however. Ahead of the January transfer window, the view around Sunderland was that the position they would be most likely to strengthen would be in holding midfield. In the end they didn't, partly because of they didn't feel the right option was available to warrant the outlay and partly because Lutsharel Geertruida proved during the AFCON period that he was a capable understudy to Granit Xhaka. Xhaka remains Sunderland's key player and will be again next season, but it's clear that there is no obvious alternative in the squad and that was demonstrated when he missed a period of action with an ankle injury earlier this year. Central midfield is a position of strength for Sunderland and especially given Chris Rigg's recent form (albeit on the right flank), but both for depth and the future they would benefit massively from a genuine understudy/alternative to Xhaka. To have signed Xhaka as a newly-promoted club was extraordinary, so it's no surprise that there is a drop off in how Sunderland can manage the game and create chances when he is unavailable but if you're looking for an obvious way to improve the squad across a whole season, it stands out.
Though it's a position in which Sunderland do have a lot of players, reinforcements out wide also seem likely. Nilson Angulo and Chemsdine Talbi are key players for Sunderland's future, but are both most comfortable playing off the left. Sunderland have a big decision to make as to whether they extend Bertrand Traoré's contract for a further year, but a more natural right-sided winger would be a savvy signing either way. January addition Jocelin Ta Bi looks a player of huge promise, but there's every chance he goes out on loan next season to experience top European football on a weekly basis. It's another position where an addition would greatly enhance the depth available to Régis Le Bris in a key area.
Movement up front also looks inevitable this summer, with Wilson Isidor struggling for regular minutes and the subject of much January transfer speculation. His potential departure would mean Sunderland need an alternative for Brian Brobbey, and there may be an argument that Eliezer Mayenda would benefit from a top-level loan depending on his development over the coming months. One other position to watch at this early stage is probably in defence, a position where Sunderland are currently very strong but bolstered by Geertruida's versatility. If both parties decide triggering his option-to-buy clause isn't the right option, they might need another player and especially if Dennis Cirkin does indeed depart on a free leaving Reinildo as the only natural left back in the group.
Continue Reading