With just two weeks to go until the transfer window closes shut, Sunderland are in turmoil, with the premier league season slipping through their fingers with just two games played. Black Cats fans are crying out for investment from Ellis Short, with the team lacking an identity, style of play and passion. Funds are low on Wearside, this is well known and has been for many years, with Short unwilling to invest his hard-earned money on a team that hasn’t delivered for a generation.
As much as all Sunderland fans would like to feel that the transfer window is as easy and simple as the latest video game, that is far from the truth. A restricted budget, financial fair play, player power and of course agents to contend with, Sunderland have their work cut out in the coming weeks to mould a squad capable of staying in the league, which currently they do not have. Read Sunderland takes a look at the four main and realistic options out there in the transfer market for the Black Cats.
Fabio Borini
The former loan star, Fabio Borini, loved and hated amongst fans, partly for his role in the ‘Great Escape’, followed by his decision to turn down a permanent move to Wearside last summer. Now as a reported loan target once again, Borini has the ability to save Sunderland yet again. Primarily a striker, Borini can play up top or on the left side of a front three, which makes him a fantastic option for Advocaat in his favoured 4-3-3 formation. Should Borini make the move north, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract on Merseyside and it would be wise for Sunderland to include an option-to-buy in the loan deal.
Marcos Alonso
A potential tricky one for Sunderland to complete. Alonso, like Borini, starred on loan at the Black Cats but has returned to Fiorentina’s first-team fold. With Patrick Van Aanholt struggling in the left-back position this term, Sunderland must surely be on the look out for some competition for the Dutchman. Alonso would be to a return to Sunderland, with the player enjoying his time on Wearside, a fee of around £3-million should be enough to see Alonso return to these shores.
Lorik Cana
Yes, another player who has played for the club previously. Former club captain and fan favourite Lorik Cana is now a free agent after his time at Lazio came to an end this summer. Cana was a passionate, strong tackling juggernaut at the heart of the Black Cats midfield for the 2009-10 season. However, now a converted centre-half, Cana can provide some needed quality and competition for both midfield and defensive areas and on a free transfer too. Cana is open to a return to England and should Sunderland pull off a deal for the Albanian, it could turn out to be a bargain.
Adnan Januzaj or Mousa Dembele
This is where Sunderland will come to a crossroad with which Belgian to pursue. The club has limited funds and may be able to only sign one of the following for the much needed attacking midfield role. Januzaj, 20, would come on a season-long loan with substantial wages, the Belgian is young, skilful and would offer Sunderland some much-needed goals from midfield. Should Sunderland’s financial woes be as troubled as rumours say, then this would be the sensible and an effective route to take. Januzaj has distanced himself from the rumours of a move to Sunderland, however, Manchester United are still tracking Barcelona winger Pedro. Should Pedro move to United, then it is still believed that Sunderland can attract Januzaj to the Stadium of Light.
Elsewhere, Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele has been identified by Dick Advocaat as a dream signing for the attacking midfield role. The strong and skilful Belgian can play in the attacking midfield role that Advocaat needs but can also tackle, which makes him a very good all round midfielder. A rumoured asking price in excess of £15-million is the major stumbling block for Sunderland with their limited finances. However, the attraction of guaranteed first team football and wages to match such a commitment would surely attract Dembele to the thought of coming to Wearside.
In an ideal world, Sunderland would secure the signature all of the above before September 2nd. However, with Sunderland’s current financial woes and the club’s track record, do not be surprised if championship alternatives are signed instead.
