The 8 major Sunderland transfer and selection questions Régis Le Bris must answer before Ipswich Town opener

A 5-1 victory over York City represented a positive start to Sunderland’s pre-season schedule, although results at this stage of the summer are largely secondary.

The more important work will take place on the training pitch and during the club’s tour of the United States as Régis Le Bris attempts to settle on his strongest team.

Sunderland have greater demands to manage this season following their qualification for the Europa League, while several players are still waiting for clarity over their futures.

Here are eight of the biggest questions Le Bris will want answered before the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.

Where is Chris Rigg’s best position?

Rigg’s performance at York raised the possibility of the academy graduate being used more regularly in central midfield. The 19-year-old scored after starting the game and showed encouraging signs of physical development, protecting the ball more effectively and competing strongly in congested areas.

Rigg spent a considerable amount of time operating from the right last season, although that has never felt like his natural long-term position. He has the intelligence and technical ability to play as a number ten, but Sunderland already have Enzo Le Fée and other options capable of operating between the lines.

A deeper number-eight role could eventually suit Rigg, allowing him to carry the ball, make late runs and influence games more frequently. The question is whether Le Bris trusts him defensively in that position against stronger Premier League opposition or continues to use his versatility across several roles.

What is Sunderland’s strongest centre-back partnership?

Le Bris has plenty of quality at centre-back but no shortage of difficult decisions. Dan Ballard is expected to return to action during Sunderland’s American tour after undergoing ankle surgery. Omar Alderete proved his value last season, while Nordi Mukiele can operate centrally or at right-back.

Luke O’Nien also remains a trusted member of the squad and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to perform in the Premier League. Ballard and Alderete would appear the most natural partnership, combining physicality, aerial strength and defensive experience. Mukiele, however, has the pace, power and technical quality to force his way into the team. Sunderland could also add another defender before the transfer window closes. Any new arrival would further complicate a selection decision that could shape the opening weeks of the campaign.

Who plays regularly at right-back – and where does Mukiele fit?

Le Bris clearly values Trai Hume, who has developed into a proven Premier League right-back and remains a hugely dependable option. Starting Hume also allows Mukiele to play centrally, where his athleticism and ability in possession can add a different dimension to Sunderland’s defence.

The Frenchman is, however, an excellent full-back in his own right. His physicality can help Sunderland dominate individual battles, while he is comfortable moving inside and effectively forming a back three. Thomas Meunier provides another alternative following Sunderland’s decision not to activate their near-£20million option for Lutsharel Geertruida.

Le Bris has already highlighted Meunier’s versatility and believes the Belgian can operate at full-back, wing-back or as the right-sided member of a back three. Hume may begin the season as the favourite, but Le Bris now has several different profiles available depending on the opposition and game plan.

What should Sunderland do with Aji Alese, Jenson Seelt and Leo Hjelde?

All three defenders find themselves in different situations, but each needs greater clarity before the end of the summer. It was wonderful to see Alese return against York after another lengthy injury absence. His rotten luck with fitness has prevented him from building sustained momentum, but his talent has never been in doubt.

Alese can play at centre-back and left-back, which is particularly useful given the current shape of Sunderland’s squad. He could emerge as a valuable substitute and rotation option across the Premier League, domestic cups and Europa League if he can remain fit.

Seelt is also clearly a talented player. He possesses many of the physical and technical attributes required at the highest level and could provide genuine competition rather than simply emergency cover. The question is whether Seelt would be satisfied with a squad role or would prefer to play regularly elsewhere. Sunderland would likely record an SCR profit if they sold him, while his own injury record must also be considered.

Hjelde appears less likely to break into Le Bris’ strongest team. He does, however, provide left-sided defensive cover and counts towards homegrown requirements, which could be valuable when Sunderland submit their squad lists. His knee discomfort at York will be assessed, but his longer-term position also requires a decision.

Can Romaine Mundle force his way back into the team?

Mundle’s talent has never been the issue. The winger has the pace and individual quality to trouble Premier League defenders, but two significant hamstring injuries disrupted his progress last season. Sunderland are understandably being cautious during pre-season. Mundle was fit enough to train before the York game, but Le Bris decided it was too early to risk him following surgery.

Even once fully fit, Mundle will face significant competition on the left. Nilson Angulo impressed following his arrival, while Chemsdine Talbi can play on either flank. Sunderland are also expected to continue assessing attacking options in the transfer market. Mundle must first demonstrate that his body can cope with the demands of regular football. After that, he needs to remind Le Bris why he was considered one of Sunderland’s most exciting attacking prospects before his injuries.

What happens with Anthony Patterson and the other fringe players?

Patterson’s departure still appears the most likely outcome, but the situation has not yet been resolved. The goalkeeper has attracted interest from several Championship clubs, although none have met Sunderland’s valuation. He has continued training at the Academy of Light to ensure he remains prepared but appears unlikely to travel to America.

Robin Roefs is firmly established as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Melker Ellborg remains a popular and capable deputy. Patterson is not the only senior player facing uncertainty. Alan Browne played the first half at York despite questions surrounding his place in the squad. Arthur Masuaku’s future also requires clarification, while Sunderland must decide what to do with Simon Adingra following his loan spell. Those decisions are not simply about raising money. Sunderland must manage their squad size, European registration requirements and the expectations of experienced players who may not feature regularly.

Do Timur Tutierov and Trey Ogunsuyi have genuine first-team roles?

Tutierov became one of the most interesting stories of Sunderland’s opening friendly after scoring against York. He could leave on another EFL loan after spending last season with Exeter City. Sunderland could also keep him and provide opportunities in the domestic cups and Europe.

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Tutierov’s problem is the level of competition ahead of him. Talbi, Mundle and Angulo are all established senior options in the wide positions. Ogunsuyi faces a similar dilemma at centre-forward. He is an exciting prospect but has Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey ahead of him. Sunderland must decide whether both players would benefit more from training around the first team and playing occasional cup football or leaving on loan to gain regular senior minutes.

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