Régis Le Bris delivers Sunderland verdict on Alan Browne and Jocelin Ta Bi after failed transfer exits
Régis Le Bris has outlined fresh plans for Alan Browne and Jocelin Ta Bi after both remained at Sunderland beyond the transfer deadline
Régis Le Bris has welcomed Alan Browne and Jocelin Ta Bi back into his Sunderland plans after both saw potential deadline-day exits fall through.
Ta Bi had been lined up for a loan move to Burnley, only for the deal to collapse late in the window. Browne, meanwhile, was the subject of interest from former club Preston North End, but a return to Deepdale did not progress before the deadline. Le Bris insists both players remain part of his squad and could still have roles to play.
“They are in the team and, as a manager, I’m pleased because Jocelin is a young, potential right winger. He needs time to learn. We had this question: do we need to loan him or keep him? So it was a balanced decision. At the end, he didn’t move, and it’s still a good option to stay here, at least four months, and we’ll see later.”
On Browne, Le Bris was extensive in his praise for the Republic of Ireland international: “Brownie is a really good professional. He didn’t have game time at the beginning of the season; he was expected to leave, but I like him as a player, as a human, as a person, so he will help the squad for sure.”
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Ta Bi’s continued presence is particularly relevant given the debate around Sunderland’s right-wing options. The Black Cats explored the possibility of signing a specialist right-sided attacker during the summer but did not complete one, leading to questions over whether that remains a weakness in Le Bris’ squad.
The Sunderland head coach, though, believes the issue has been overstated and insists he is comfortable with the options already available. “If it was possible to find a mature right winger, why not? It’s possible because we can play like this. But if not, we are secure in this position.
“With more, I would say, wing-backs rather than wingers. But if you face Nordi or you face Thomas or even Trai - Trai scored last season as well - they are good. They defend really well; they have their own way to attack and create threats, but they are efficient in the Premier League, so it’s a good right side.”