The summer transfer market has proved to be efficient for many clubs around the world with more movement inevitable as teams approach deadline day. So far, Advocaat has added four players to his squad, with Younes Kaboul arriving from Tottenham, Sebastian Coates from Liverpool, Adam Matthews from Celtic and Jeremain Lens from Dynamo Kiev.
ReadSunderland take a look at three potential signings who could be added to the team that lost 4-2 away at Leicester on the opening day.
Marcos Alonso – With no alternative left-back available to backup Patrick Van Aanholt, Marcos Alonso would be the ideal signing for Advocaat. The Spanish full-back spent from January to May on-loan at the Black Cats and didn’t disappoint, being part of the Great Escape under Gus Poyet which included historic victories at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford – not to forget the road to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.
Preferred left-back Patrick van Aanholt had a match to forget during the weekend’s defeat to Leicester. The Dutchman didn’t apply any attacking menace and left his left-back spot deeply exposed to Riyad Mahrez for parts of the game, therefore the addition of Marcos Alonso would welcome a much-needed competition for the role at left-back.
Alonso provides good physique and carries a handful of attributes which would definitely help him become a contender at left-back. Only 24 years of age along with Premier League experience, the Spanish Full-back is certainly worth his value.
Realistic Price – £2.5m.
Adnan Januzaj – The 20-year old Belgian has recently been linked with Sunderland and was frozen out of Louis Van Gaal’s squad who faced Tottenham on Saturday. Advocaat can offer Januzaj regular first-team football, which is something the Belgian finds hard to prosper at Manchester United where he only featured in 18 games last season, starting just 11. With the signing of Memphis Depay, Ashley Young’s recent resurrection and the potential signing of Pedro, the Belgian will find it even more problematic trying to break into Van Gaal’s starting 11.
The Sunderland manager made clear that he wanted an attacking-minded midfielder who has an eye for goal and Adnan Januzaj would definitely be able to fulfil those requirements. Dick Advocaat is desperate to land the perfect advanced midfielder who provides a spark, and with Advocaat knowing Dutch compatriot Louis Van Gaal well, it may just play in his favour.
There is no doubt about the prospective talent of Adnan Januzaj, who broke onto the scene in David Moyes’ ill-fated season. With the offer of first-team football firmly on the table, this could be a huge step in his career to break out a star.
Realistic Price – one-year-loan.
Moussa Sow – Advocaat revealed post-match at Leicester that he may be required to dip into the transfer market to find what he described a ‘real striker’ or alternatively revert to a different formation. That ‘real striker’ could be Moussa Sow.
Year after year the Sunderland fans have taken the ‘potential’ arrival of Moussa Sow rumours as a pinch of salt. However, with once again the rumours re-occurring this summer, the Black Cats should take a gamble on the Senegalese international. After being dumped out of the Champions League by Shakhtar Donetsk, there isn’t a favourable reason as to why Moussa Sow wouldn’t want to prove his worth in the Premier League.
The departure of Connor Wickham to Crystal Palace for £9m certainly ensures that there is money in the kitty at Sunderland. Sow is entering the final 12 months of his contract, therefore there is a possibility the price could go in favour of Sunderland.
The 5ft 11 striker could well be the man to fit the striker role as he averages around one goal in every two games for Fenerbache, something which the Black Cats would hope he would bring to the Stadium of Light. After the signing of Robin van Persie, the Turkish club may be resigned to losing Moussa Sow.
Realistic Price – £8.5m.
