Despite Saturday’s result, we currently sit on eleven points from seven games — an average of 1.57 points per game — when we need (at the very least) 1.05 points per game to stay up. If we can collect
four points from the Wolves and Everton games and lose against Chelsea and Arsenal, all remains good, with fifteen points from eleven games. Given that positive outlook, maybe it’s time to look forward to the January transfer window.
Where are the gaps, if any, in the current squad? We’re currently well stocked in defence and although Arthur Masuaku hasn’t covered himself in glory so far, Trai Hume and possibly Luke O’Nien or Aji Alese could provide cover.
It also appears that the club is still keen on Jhon Lucumi.
Although it could be an agent looking for a payday, there are reliable reports that we sent scouts to watch him recently. I admit I don’t get it, as the centre back position is so well covered, so why would we spend a sizable sum on a twenty-seven year-old? It could be that with his contract running down, the club gets a bargain, but there’s still an annual wage bill of a million plus to consider.
Although it seems some supporters aren’t prepared to give Brian Brobbey a fair chance, we remain well covered up front and also, with Romaine Mundle due back, on the wings. While it’s true that we’re yet to see the best of Simon Adingra, there’s plenty of time for him to come good and if not, Enzo Le Fée is an option.
The problem, as I see it, is in midfield and that’s where we should invest. Habib Diarra’s injury means we’re a bit light, with Chris Rigg and possibly Dan Neil still to get up to speed, so we could really do with another high-quality, “ready-to-go” midfielder.
It’s a big ask given Noah Sadiki’s engine and inflated Premier League prices, but if we could find someone with Premier League experience and the ability to run and close down all game long, that would be ideal.
If things continue to go well, maybe the club will decide to prepare for next season.
Forward planning has been on the agenda since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus arrived, so investment (buying, not loaning) in young players is a possibility. New additions could be exposed to the Premier League gradually in the second half of the campaign in order ready by season’s end, so a midfielder would be nice, and possibly a forward as well.
Perhaps the club will decide to hold back in January in order to invest in the summer, depending on survival and how far they’re prepared to push to reach the next level. It’s to their advantage that the pool of in-house players available should continue to grow.
Rigg will hopefully be an experienced Premier League player by the summer and possibly (although at this point it seems unlikely) Neil as well. O’Nien may prove himself a useful backup option, and we have many players out on loan.
Hopefully, after successful loan spells, Trey Ogunsuyi, Jenson Seelt, Ahmed Abdullahi and Harrison Jones could return ready to compete for a place. Although apart from Seelt, all will need exposure to the Premier League, they could boost the squad. In summary, at present (but this is Sunderland, so things can go very bad very quickly), we’re in a good place.
Next summer should be quieter than this, with just a few top-quality additions.
