SUNDERLAND are targeting “two or three” potential additions during the January transfer window, with Regis Le Bris admitting there are also likely to be departures when the transfer window reopens.
The Black Cats had a hugely successful summer window, with their 14 additions having made a major contribution to the club’s strong start to the Premier League season.
There are no obvious gaps within the squad, but with sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, and director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, taking the lead, there is still a desire to strengthen next month if possible.
Sunderland have been heavily linked with a potential move for Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi, with Le Bris having previously worked with the Arsenal midfielder when they were together at Lorient.
“I think we worked hard last summer to recruit 14 players, and at the minute we are happy with the level of the squad,” said Le Bris, whose side play their final game before Christmas tomorrow when they head to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton.
“We don’t have to make a huge impact now, we are talking about two or three profiles maximum in and probably a bit more for outs, because it will be important to find opportunities for them.”
The packed schedule means Le Bris has not been too heavily involved with transfer discussions yet, but that will change as the situation develops over the next few weeks.
As well as looking to make additions, the Sunderland hierarchy will also be attempting to move players on next month, with Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin’s situation particularly uncertain given they are about to enter the final six months of their respective contracts.
“Behind the scenes, we are working hard for both ins and outs, because it will be important in both directions,” said Le Bris. “The main focus for me at the minute is the opposition [Brighton, Leeds etc], but with Flo and his team, they are working hard to prepare the opportunities.”
When it comes to approaching potential signings, Ghisolfi and Speakman can point to Sunderland’s strong start to the season as evidence that their plans are working.
When they were speaking to players in the summer, they could outline their vision, but as a newly-promoted club, there was an inevitable degree of uncertainty about what Sunderland could realistically hope to achieve this season.
Now, with last weekend’s derby win over Newcastle having taken the Black Cats to 26 points from their opening 16 league games, a prospective move to the Stadium of Light no longer feels like a step into the unknown.
“It’s important for sure,” said Le Bris. “After half a season now, you know what you have. It’s better to join a team with good dynamics rather than a team that is more in doubt or in a bad time.”
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