The right-wing position has been a highly scrutinised topic this summer, and rightly so. Bertrand Traoré’s exit has put more pressure on the club’s situation on the right and, even if he was still on Wearside, I think the club would be in the market anyway. That being said, I think it’s only right to assess the left-wing position too.
Currently, there are four out-and-out left-wing options – Talbi, Angulo, Mundle and Adingra. The way I see it, at least one of these will be moving on this summer and,
if so, it will almost definitely be one of the latter two. There may also be a world where both Mundle and Adingra make way, but I think the club would only allow that if a replacement was already lined up and, honestly, I am under the impression that the club have bigger transfer fish to fry.
If one of Simon Adingra or Romaine Mundle has to go this summer, I think there is quite a balanced list of pros and cons for either player.
Starting with Adingra, he has more experience, having played 60 Premier League games for Brighton before joining us last summer. The Ivorian also has 30 international caps. This dwarfs Mundle’s 14 Premier League appearances. Despite Adingra’s impact last season leaving something to be desired, I think he showed that he is currently capable of doing a useful enough job in the Premier League.
Interestingly, Adingra has also made 17 Europa League appearances during his time with Union Saint-Gilloise and Brighton. Although limited, could this experience be of benefit next season? I don’t see why not.
However, Adingra’s lack of defensive capability may mean he has fallen out of favour with Le Bris. We know that Régis desires defensive stability, and I don’t think Adingra is able to provide that. We all remember Manchester United away (although I think Masuaku may have been somewhat complicit). Simon being loaned out to Monaco in January may well have been the beginning of the end of his short-lived time on Wearside, with interest from the French side, West Ham and Ipswich all being reported.
I think I would prefer to keep Mundle and I have an inkling that the club would too. Mundle has earned his red and white stripes over the last two and a half years, making 52 appearances. He had a tough time last season, especially after the Fulham game and the recurrence of his hamstring injury, and part of me thinks he deserves a second chance this season. We have seen more than a glimpse of Romaine’s ability during his time here and I don’t think it is too ridiculous to say that he may eventually establish himself at this level.
I am aware that this will be a tough season and perhaps it is no longer the time to give people a chance based on how much they are liked or to wait for them to develop into something greater. Mundle’s injury record is also a big asterisk, especially when looking ahead to a jam-packed season. He has suffered four hamstring injuries and undergone two operations – can he be relied upon to be involved in a squad playing three times a week?
Chemsdine Talbi is safe from the chopping block. He has proved himself to be a valuable part of the squad. His skill set is really useful for the way we play and he will only improve, especially after an impressive World Cup. I think we all love our Moroccan star after his brilliant moments against Chelsea, Burnley and them lot.
Similarly, Nilson Angulo is going to stay. Having only joined in January and with injury forcing him to the sidelines temporarily, I feel the best is yet to come from the young Ecuadorian. He seems to have a similar profile to Chemsdine and I have been excited by his performances so far. I remember watching Leeds away on the telly and being very impressed by his speed and skill.
WWith a very busy season to come, it may seem silly to move one of Mundle or Adingra on. But that doesn’t appear to be the case, as the writing seems to be on the wall for Adingra. It is a bit different for Mundle, as his injury woes and current performance level may mean the grass is greener elsewhere. We also need to consider the players personally – are they both happy to be playing second, third or maybe even fourth fiddle? A transfer may also benefit the club, with the all-important financial rules in mind.
There are many different variables at play here, and yet another ball the club needs to juggle. Hopefully, they get it right, and by the end of the window, both the supporters and the club are satisfied.
