Sunderland's ideal starting XI if transfer deadline day goes to plan - amid Malick Fofana & Crystal Palace drama
There could be further transfer activity at Sunderland on deadline day.
Transfer deadline day is almost over and Sunderland are working hard to make more new signings in the final hours of an important summer.
With just a few hours remaining in the summer transfer window, the Black Cats have already completed three new additions to Regis Le Bris’ squad as they prepare to compete in a number of different competitions during the new season. Securing seventh place in last season’s Premier League landed Sunderland a spot in this season’s Europa League and that will add at least eight additional fixtures to an already hectic schedule.
Defensive duo Thomas Meunier and Dayaan Methalie became the first new captures of the summer months before Le Bris’ midfield options were bolstered with the addition of Royal Antwerp’s highly-rated youngster Jules Ahoka and he was named on the bench as the Black Cats earned their first win of the season against Fulham on Sunday. Speculation over who could be the next new signing at the Stadium of Light has ramped up in recent days and there have been reports linking Sunderland with moves for Marseille winger Igor Paixao, Roma star Matias Soule and Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are facing a late attempt from Crystal Palace to hijack their move for Malick Fofana. The Black Cats made a major breakthrough earlier on deadline day when they agreed a fee with Olympique Lyonnais to sign the Belgian international, who was given permission to travel for a medical. Sunderland had agreed a five-year contract with the winger, who said yes to the move having been sold on the club’s project and the prospect of playing in the Europa League. However, the club’s Premier League rivals made a late move and are reported to have offered a fee higher than the €30 million package on the table from Sunderland.
A number of other clubs are said to be showing an interest in Soule and Brazilian winger Paixao is said to be keen on a move to Wearside - although no agreement has been found with Marseille as it stands. But how could Sunderland’s strongest starting eleven look if the summer transfer window goes to plan?
Sunderland’s ideal starting XI if transfer deadline day goes to plan
GK: Robin Roefs RB: Nordi Mukiele CB: Kevin Danso CB: Dan Ballard LB: Reinildo Mandava CM: Granit Xhaka CM: Noah Sadiki CM: Enzo Le Fee RW: Matias Soule LW: Malick Fofana ST: Brian Brobbey SUBS: Trai Hume, Melker Ellborg, Omar Alderete, Thomas Meunier, Wilson Isidor, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Chris Rigg, Jules Ahoka