Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has revealed his hope that the club receives transfer offers for key players such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg during the January transfer window.
Le Bris emphasised that the club’s intention is to retain its talent, but also welcomed interest as a reflection of the quality within the squad.
Transfer Interest in Sunderland’s Rising Stars
Bellingham, 19, continues to attract interest from Premier League sides like Arsenal and Crystal Palace, while Rigg has been linked with clubs including Real Madrid. The midfield duo has been pivotal for Sunderland this season, and their performances have only increased speculation about potential moves away from Wearside.
Despite this, Le Bris clarified that recent midfield reinforcement in the form of Enzo Le Fee—a loan signing from AS Roma—does not indicate an intention to sell Bellingham or Rigg. Instead, the club aims to strengthen its squad for the final stretch of the season.
“It’s clear that we want to keep our players, 100%. There is no doubt about this. It is possible to receive offers and I hope we do, because it means that we have good players.”
Squad Depth and January Reinforcements
Le Bris highlighted the need to manage squad depth as Sunderland aims to secure promotion from the Championship. The manager acknowledged the strain on his squad during the first half of the season and expressed a desire to add depth to key positions.
“To be competitive at the end, we need a little bit more depth. The first part of the season was risky for us, and now that we are in a good place, it is possible to reinforce and manage five or six players in these positions.”
He also discussed the importance of maintaining squad rotation to handle the remaining 20 league games effectively. Le Bris noted that having more experienced players available would allow Sunderland to remain competitive while reducing the burden on younger squad members.
Balancing Offers with Promotion Ambitions
Although Sunderland appears open to significant bids for its stars, Le Bris made it clear that the club is focused on achieving promotion this season. The arrival of Enzo Le Fee signals their intent to strengthen the team, rather than dismantle it.
However, with Bellingham reportedly holding a gentleman’s agreement allowing a transfer if a suitable Premier League offer arrives, Sunderland could face tough decisions in the coming weeks. Balancing financial gains with the team’s promotion aspirations will be key for Le Bris and the Sunderland board.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
