Sunderland transfers: Business so far, Le Bris comments and deadline day details confirmed
Sunderland are hoping to add further new signings to their squad during the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
It has been a surprisingly quiet summer transfer window for Sunderland as they prepare for one of the most exciting seasons in their long and proud history.
Regis Le Bris worked miracles last season as a much-changed Black Cats squad exceeded all expectations to secure a seventh place finish in the Premier League after securing promotion with a Championship play-off final win against Sheffield United just 12 months earlier. Significantly, that also meant Sunderland will compete in European competition for only the second time in their history as they line up alongside the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen in the new season’s Europa League.
With at least eight additional games now on the agenda, there is a need to strengthen Le Bris’ ranks as he looks to cope with the increased demands placed upon his players - but how long do Sunderland have to complete signings and what has the Frenchman said about possible business?
What business have Sunderland conducted so far this summer?
As it stands, Belgium international Thomas Meunier is the only new addition to the Black Cats squad after he penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light following his departure from French club Lille. The only outgoing deal that has recouped funds was Eliezer Mayenda’s move to Rennes - although the likes of Dan Neil, Timothee Pembele and Harrison Jones have also moved on during the summer. Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins also departed after their contracts came to an end.
What has Regis Le Bris said about transfers this summer?
Speaking after Saturday’s win against Lens, the Black Cats boss said: "The transfer window is still unpredictable, but we are working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad. It's a little different compared to last season, we have to be really precise, and when you are looking for someone, a specific profile, it's much harder. It's important to [remember that you can] sign new players, but it doesn't mean that we'll be stronger. It's about our culture, the way we are growing together, and I think we showed in America and even more today that the team is strong. Obviously the Premier League is really demanding, really challenging, but it's a new step forward."
When does the summer transfer window close?
The summer transfer window has been open for business since Monday, June 15 and will officially come to a close on Tuesday September 1. Unlike last year when business came to an end in the early evening, the current window will return to a later deadline of 11pm this summer.
Can clubs receive extra time to complete transfers?
They can! A transfer deal sheet allows a club to confirm an agreement has been reached, granting an additional two hours to complete the rest of the paperwork. For an 11pm deadline such as the one in this year’s summer transfer deadline, the deal sheet cannot be submitted before 9pm and must arrive before the window closes. Once lodged, the clubs involved would then have until 1am to finalise the transfer.
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