Exclusive:Sunderland legend delivers verdict on summer transfer business - and what was missing
Kevin Phillips says Sunderland were ‘very precise’ in the summer transfer market.
Club legend Kevin Phillips says Sunderland were ‘very precise’ in the summer transfer market but would have liked to see another striker sign.
Sunderland made six senior signings this summer; Thomas Meunier was the first, joining on a free transfer from Lille and adding vast experience, height and flexibility on the right side of defence. Defender Dayann Méthalie followed from Toulouse in a deal worth a reported £25.7million including add-ons.
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Jules Ahoka arrived from Royal Antwerp for around £8million, defender Kevin Danso joined on loan from Tottenham with an obligation to buy if performance-related conditions are met, understood to be linked to Sunderland avoiding relegation. On deadline day Malick Fofana arrived from Lyon for an initial fee of around £25.7million, with add-ons capable of taking the package to approximately £30.9million. Ecuador striker Juan Riquelme Angulo (18) completed the senior recruitment with a reported £5million move from Independiente del Valle. He arrives as another development signing
Phillips, speaking to the Echo via BestBettingSites.co.uk said: “I think they were very precise in what they wanted. They identified the areas and the positions that they wanted to strengthen in. I think they've managed to do that. I think probably the only one slightly disappointing, I would say, is not being able to bring another striker to the football club.
“Obviously, with Brobbey and Isidor, the two recognised ones. I know Angulo's signed, but he's more of a wide player. But apart from that, I think the areas that they brought in, I would have to say, if I was rating out of 10 I'd give it an 8, if they'd managed to get that striker in, then probably looking at around about a 9.”
Your next Sunderland AFC read: Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips delivers verdict on club's start to the new Premier League campaign