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:
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:
21. MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Macaulay Langstaff of Notts County in action during the Sky Bet League Two match between Milton Keynes Dons and Notts County at on September 09, 2023 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Sunderland are also said to be targeting Leicester City defender Luke Thomas to strengthen left-back position, according to Sunderland Nation. The Black Cats have suffered injuries in defence with Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin set to be out for extended periods through injury. The 22-year-old has played more than 50 times for Leicester in the Premier League, started the 2021 FA Cup final and has experience in the Europa League. It is thought that Thomas could be available on loan. Photo: Pete Norton