The Black Cats under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey have prioritised young talented players that haven’t cost much in terms of transfer fees. That strategy has produced good results with Jack Clarke, Dennis Cirkin, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Pierre Ekwah, Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham now worth much more than they were when they first joined the club.
But Sunderland’s transfer strategy has left Michael Beale’s squad lacking in experience and goals with the four forwards brought to the club last summer failing – for the most part – to hit the ground running.
With that in mind, Sunderland have been linked with a mixture of youth and experience already this window and here, we take you through the deals Speakman has been linked with concluding so far:
5. Charlie Cresswell
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says there is 'no will' to let Charlie Cresswell leave in January, but he also has to consider what the defender wants during the transfer window. Sunderland have been re-linked with Leeds United's ex-Millwall loanee defender Cresswell in recent days with the centre-half struggling for game time this season. Cresswell, who has previously been linked with Sunderland several times during recent windows, is thought to be a player who could leave Elland Road during the winter window, with Millwall and league rivals Middlesbrough thought to be keen. Photo: George Wood
6. Lamare Bogarde
Sunderland have been credited with interest in Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde following the midfielder's loan spell at Bristol Rovers. Bogarde, 19, had made 14 League One appearances for Rovers this season, but didn't feature in the league under Matty Taylor, who was appointed at the Memorial Stadium on December 1. Sunderland are reportedly interested in a loan move for Bogarde, while SPL side Aberdeen are said to have asked about the player's availability. Photo: Alex Pantling
7. Andrey Santos
It has been reported that Chelsea could send Andrey Santos to the Championship after a difficult loan spell at Nottingham Forest with Sunderland, West Brom and Hull City among the possible destinations. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
8. Alan Virginius
Sunderland have reportedly once again shown an interest in Lille winger Alan Virginius, according to outlets in France. There is interest from elsewhere in the attacker, however, with Young Boys BSC having reportedly made a loan offer for the 20-year-old, who has struggled to nail down a regular spot under Paulo Fonseca this season. That's according to Foot Mercato. Virginius signed for Lille from Sochaux (the club Sunderland bought Eliezer Mayenda from last summer) back in the summer of 2022. Photo: JUAN MABROMATA