Sunderland's starting XI after January transfer window if rumours are true - including Serie A ace
Sunderland have been linked with moves for several potential new signings ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sunderland enjoyed a remarkable summer transfer window as the momentum gained from their dramatic Championship play-off final win against Sheffield United triggered a remarkable recruitment drive.
The Wembley win against the Blades immediately triggered a club record deal for loan signing Enzo Le Fee as the French attacking midfielder was secured in a £20 million permanent switch. However, that figure was surpassed within weeks as Sunderland saw off competition from elsewhere to land Strasbourg’s highly-rated midfielder Habib Diarra in a £30 million move.
Perhaps the most eye-catching move came when former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka was snapped up from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen - although there was still plenty of activity that followed the Swiss star’s arrival on Wearside as Sunderland took their attempts to improve their squad into the final hours of the summer transfer window.
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With the clock ticking towards the 7pm deadline, deals were completed for Ajax duo Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traore and RB Leipzig star Lutsharel Geertruida were secured on the final day of the window. Although there is a determination to remain focused on extending an impressive start to the new season on the pitch, the Black Cats are already focusing on what activity could take place during the January transfer window and the speculation over possible additions has already started.
So how could the Sunderland starting eleven look when the January transfer window comes to an end?
Sunderland’s starting XI in January if transfer rumours are true
Robin Roefs
It would be safe to say the Dutch goalkeeper has quickly become a firm favourite with the Wearside faithful after making an impressive start to life at the Stadium of Light. Roefs has produced a number of eye-catching displays over the first six games and has already established himself as Le Bris’ number one stopper.
Trai Hume
Any questions that may have been asked of Hume’s ability to cut it at Premier League level have been forcibly answered with the sort of solid displays that were commonplace in the Championship.
Nordi Mukiele
The former Paris Saint-Germain man is already looking like a solid and shrewd addition to the Black Cats ranks after easing into life on Wearside. Mukiele already looks at home in the Premier League and has really caught the eye in a mean Black Cats defence.
Jhon Lucumi
A summer transfer window target that remained out of reach for the Black Cats as they prepared for life in the Premier League. The Colombian is reportedly in a ‘contract stand-off’ with Serie A club Bologna and Sunderland could revisit their attempts to land the defender in January.
Dennis Cirkin
Cirkin’s future at the Stadium of Light has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks and months with suggestions former club Tottenham Hotspur are keen on the full-back. Despite the form of new addition Arthur Massuaku, Cirkin remains highly rated at the Stadium of Light.
Granit Xhaka
Although this tag could be placed on a number of newcomers within the Black Cats squad, former Arsenal captain Xhaka could lay claim to being the best signing of the summer. His composure, drive and class have been integral in the impressive start to the season and his experience means he will continue playing a vital role over the coming months.
Habib Diarra
There was a major blow for the Black Cats when club record signing Diarra was ruled out of action until December after undergoing surgery on a groin injury. However, the midfielder is certain to return to the starting eleven when he gets back to full fitness.
Noah Sadiki
Another eye-catching addition during the summer transfer window, Sadiki has showed why the Black Cats were so keen to see off competition to land his services ahead of the return to the Premier League.
Konstantinos Karetsas
The five-times capped Greece international is yet to turn 18 but has already made a major impact for club and country. After scoring two goals in five appearances at international level, Karetsas has captured attention from a number of clubs around Europe and there were reports the Black Cats watched the attacking midfielder in action when he featured for Genk in their Europa League win against Rangers last week.
Simon Adingra
The former Brighton and Hove Albion winger has featured in all but one of Sunderland’s league fixtures so far this season and his pace and trickery will be needed to unlock defences as the Black Cats look to build on their fine start to the campaign.
Wilson Isidor
The former Zenit Saint-Petersburg forward has played a big part in an impressive start to the season for the Black Cats by scoring three goals in six league games. Isidor has been a handful for Premier League defences and appears to have forced his way to the front of the queue to become Le Bris’ preferred frontman.
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