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:
17. Kwame Poku
The Black Cats are also said to be one of several Championship clubs to be credited with interest in Peterborough winger Kwame Poku with reports claiming West Brom, Millwall, Ipswich, Bristol City and Stoke were also interested in the 22-year-old. Photo: Catherine Ivill
18. Nathaniel Adjei
Last year, The Sun reported Championship clubs Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Preston were interested in Adjei, while claiming Rangers had sent scouts to watch the player. Swedish outlet Fotbolldirekt have also said Leeds are one of several clubs tracking the defender, who is under contract until 2026 with Hammarby. Adjei, who is listed as 6 ft 1 tall, has predominantly played as a centre-back for Hammarby, while he’s also operated as a right-back. Photo: Getty
19. Alexander Aravena
Sunderland are interested in signing winger Alexander Aravena from Chilean side Universidad Catolica. The Black Cats were thought to be extremely keen on a deal for the player last summer but the move did not materialise. Photo: JAVIER TORRES
20. John McAtee
Sunderland and several of their Championship rivals have been linked with a deal for Luton Town striker John McAtee. The striker is currently on loan at Barnsley in League One from The Hatters. Fresh reports, however, have suggested that Sunderland, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle are also interested. The striker has netted nine times for The Tykes so far this season and has also chipped in three assists with his parent club Luton thought to be keen to see what their man can do at a higher level. Speculation is rife that The Hatters will cut short McAtee's loan at Barnsley early given the interest from Championship clubs. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo