Attention is also turning to a vitally important January window, as Sunderland look to cement their play-off place under new head coach Michael Beale. It has been an unusual first half of the campaign, with the Black Cats doing well to maintain their form despite the loss of Amad and Ross Stewart. And yet there has also been an inconsistency that has led to some bitterly disappointing results and big missed opportunities.
The underlying data suggests Sunderland are one of the strongest teams in the division, and yet they haven’t always found it easy to turn that into results and particularly against struggling sides. So how do the decisions taken by the club and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman now stand up to scrutiny? And what does it tell us about what as to happen next? We take a closer look, deal by deal...
9. ALEX BASS (OUT, AFC WIMBLEDON)
Like Anderson, the loan is working in that Bass is playing very regularly (albeit at League Two level). That will leave both parties in a decent position if they decide a permanent exit is required next summer. 7/10 Photo: DANIEL LEAL
10. BRADLEY DACK (IN, BLACKBURN ROVERS)
A deal that hasn't really worked out for either party thus far. Dack did make an initial impact but has struggled with minor injuries and is expected to absent for pretty much all of this month. With Tony Mowbray having left, there are significant doubts over what role he has to play both for the rest of this season and beyond. With Alex Pritchard and Jobe Bellingham thriving, and Adil Aouchiche pushing closer to regular football - it's hard to see Dack returning to make a big impact. 4/10 Photo: FRANK REID 2022
11. ELIEZER MAYENDA (IN, SOCHAUX)
A deal where clearly, no one should be rushing to judgement. Mayenda is still very, very young and in his brief cameos you can see exactly why Sunderland wanted to sign him. He has real pace, can burst past players with ease and can play anywhere across the front line. As of yet he hasn't been able to real force his way into the picture on a regular basis, but injury misfortune and the need to build back his match sharpness has clearly played a big part in that. Looks a good addition for the long term, even if for understandable reasons he hasn't been able to solve Sunderland's key issue this season. 6/10 Photo: Frank Reid
12. NATHAN BISHOP (IN, MANCHESTER UNITED)
Sunderland’s early exit from the Carabao Cup makes it hard to judge Bishop at this stage. Bishop’s professionalism and application has been praised behind the scenes, but we simply can't make a judgement on his ability given the lack of regular minutes. 6/10 Photo: Sean M. Haffey