Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has revealed his hopes and expectations for the January transfer window, as reported by The Sunderland Echo.
The Black Cats are firmly involved in the automatic promotion race as we enter the second half of the season.
Areas To Improve The Squad
Le Bris has revealed that he wants to add strength and depth to his squad in the midfield area, due in no small part to injuries to that part of the pitch.
Alan Browne has been out for some time with a leg injury, Salis Abdul Samed is yet to be fit enough for his debut and star man Chris Rigg has recently suffered his own setback.
It has left the former Lorient boss with no choice but to look to bring players in.
“Probably at the minute we only have two midfielders available at that [top Championship] level. We can develop other players like Milan, who is a very good player, but he needs time to develop at that level. So we still have an eye on this part of the pitch.”
Aside from the middle of the pitch, Sunderland are also keen to add to the squad. The manager would like someone who is able to carry out different roles for the team.
The manager said:
“A striker, a versatile forward [as well] – we don’t know because the market is still unpredictable.”
Need To Keep Top Talent
As well as bringing players into the club to aid the promotion push, Le Bris is acutely aware of the importance that keeping hold of the young talent the club possesses could have on their chances of reaching the Premier League.
Youngsters Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have attracted interest from elsewhere but Le Bris hopes the pair can be persuaded to remain part of what is building at The Stadium of Light.
“It’s still an option [for clubs to come in] when young players are playing such good football.”
“Probably some of them can be targeted for huge, massive clubs. Beyond just their own career, it’s what they can share with teammates.”
“It’s a human journey and they’re enjoying it. It’s good news that there’s interest from other clubs, but at the same time they’re really involved in our project.”
Writer’s View
The January window could be so vital for Sunderland in their quest for promotion. Le Bris cannot afford to be left short in terms of squad depth and the selling of Bellingham or Rigg could negatively impact the positivity around the club.
