SUNDERLAND'S return to the Premier League has quickened the team’s recruitment process, but the long-term nature of their transfer business could see the club faced with a problem.
A rapid burst of signings have boosted the Black Cats in their preparation for their first Premier League season since 2017, with a speedy deal wrapped up to make loanee Enzo Le Fee’s stay on Wearside permanent.
This was quickly followed by Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, and then this week alone the club have signed Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo and Simon Adingra.
All fine additions with a mix of top-flight experience and youthful energy that has come to typify recruitment under Kristjaan Speakman.
In Reinildo's case, it is a historic transfer. He will become the first player representing Mozambique to play Premier League football.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 'Clarity and purpose' as Sunderland make headline-grabbing transfer moves
- Ranking all the signings made by Sunderland's current ownership group - from best to worst
But this is where Sunderland’s problem arises. This season is an Africa Cup of Nations season and five of Sunderland's six signings play for teams that have qualified for the tournament which takes place between December and January in Morocco.
Only Moroccan, Talbi, has yet to make a senior international appearance for his nation, with the other four signings (Diarra, Adingra, Sadiki, Reinildo) all expected to go to the competition.
This means that, for all the money that the Black Cats have spent, they will be without around £80m-worth of players during one of the most packed parts of the footballing schedule.
In fact, Diarra and Sadiki will face off against one another as Senegal were drawn in the same group as DR Congo.
AFCON kicks off on December 21 and the final is played on January 18, 2026.
Just eight days before the tournament begins is the return of the Wear-Tyne derby in the league, meaning the club could be a few players short if they are travelling to meet up with their national sides.
Domestic games throughout the duration of the competition include Brighton (a), Leeds (h), Manchester City (h), Tottenham (a), Brentford (h), the FA Cup third round and Crystal Palace (h).
That's up to eight games that these players, brought in to strengthen the team for top-flight football, could be missing.
Share