Sunderland undoubtedly needs a big transfer window this summer. With the arrival of a new owner, followed by a new manager means we’ll see new players through the door, who want to play and fight for the club. I am going to take a look at the areas that need strengthening in the team and a few potential targets that new man Jack Ross should look to sign.
Goalkeeper:
The goalkeeper position has always been a saving grace for the Black Cats. For as long as I can remember there has always been a solid number one and number two between the sticks. The likes of Craig Gordon, Simon Mignolet and Jordan Pickford all spring to mind. However, last season we had three goalkeepers just as bad as each other. With Robbin Ruiter, Jason Steele and Lee Camp to choose from, none of them really impressed and they all made costly mistakes.
If Sunderland want to bounce straight back, then they need to sign a solid goalkeeper who will not make too many errors and will bring confidence to the team. It’s hard to see any of the three from last season starting. One potential suitor could be Rob Green, who is out of contract in the summer and would bring in a wealth of experience.
Defenders:
Sunderland’s defence has been a letdown in recent memory. With a number of players likely to leave the club in the summer, there will be a need for strengthening in every position. One player who Sunderland may look to sign is QPR defender Nedum Onuoha. The former Sunderland man can play in the heart of the defence or at full back and would be welcomed back to the Stadium of Light, he also brings experience that is needed.
Midfielders:
The midfield is a position where we can kind of feel at ease. Paddy McNair started to show good form towards the end of last season and should be a regular in the centre of midfield. The likes of George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch and Ethan Robson all broke into the team last season and will hope to continue that in League One. If we are to sign midfielders, it seems Jack Ross has identified 19-year-old Kyle Magennis as a potential target. The St Mirren midfielder played a key part in the title winning side and would be suited to coming here after working with Ross the season just gone. Another name mentioned is Hibernians John McGinn, however the £3million price tag may be a tad too high for League One Sunderland. David Meyler, a personal favourite of mine back when he played for us, is also available for free this summer.
Forwards:
Goals win games, and we simply did not score enough last season. Grabban and Vaughan leaving in January left us with a young and inexperienced frontline. The hope is that we keep Joel Asoro this summer, because he has a lot of potential and should thrive in League One, alongside Josh Maja. But Sunderland needs a reliable striker who can guarantee them goals in League One. Atdhe Nuhiu and Darren Bent are both available on frees this summer and both would bring experience and goals to the side. Also, out of favour Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths could be a potential signing, with the player wanting first team football.
