Sunderland’s summer transfer business is proving far more complicated than it was during their promotion-winning campaign, with Regis Le Bris admitting the club now have to be much more selective in the market.
The Black Cats have made just one permanent signing so far this window, with experienced defender Thomas Meunier arriving at the club. That lack of activity isn’t necessarily causing concern inside the Sunderland camp, but Le Bris knows the demands are different now that the club are preparing for European football as well as another Premier League season.
Sunderland’s return to the top flight went far better than many expected. They reached the 40-point mark after just 29 matches and established themselves in the middle of the table. Now, though, the challenge facing Le Bris and the recruitment team has changed.
Le Bris explains Sunderland’s transfer difficulty
Le Bris believes Sunderland’s first priority this summer has actually been protecting the squad they had after a strong Premier League season.
After Saturday’s 2-0 pre-season victory over Lens, the Sunderland boss pointed to the togetherness already within his group and suggested keeping that strength intact was an important part of their business.
“Today, and probably in the USA as well, we showed that our squad is already well connected with good players and probably the first good recruitment is to keep your strength.”
That doesn’t mean Sunderland are finished in the market. Far from it.
Le Bris expects further additions before the window closes, although he accepts there is still plenty of uncertainty around what can happen in the coming weeks.
“I think at the minute it’s done, which is really good, and we’ll add two, three, four – we’ll see. The transfer window is still unpredictable but we are working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad.”
The key difference compared with last summer is the level of competition for the profiles Sunderland are now targeting.
The club aren’t simply looking to add numbers. They want players who fit particular roles and can cope with the demands of the Premier League and European football. That appears to have made negotiations and recruitment considerably more difficult.
“But, it’s really different if you compare with the last season.
“Here we have to be really precise and when you are looking for someone, a specific profile, it’s much harder.”
Sunderland facing competition for Methalie
One player recently linked with Sunderland is Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie.
Sunderland are reportedly facing strong competition for his signature. The Black Cats may have identified the sort of player they want, but getting that deal over the line is another matter.
That is likely to be the theme of the rest of Sunderland’s window. The squad already has a solid foundation following an impressive Premier League campaign, but Le Bris clearly wants to add quality rather than make changes for the sake of it.
The Frenchman has already overseen a major transformation at Sunderland since arriving before the promotion season. He guided the club through the play-offs and back into the Premier League, before overseeing a campaign that saw the Black Cats put in a solid Premier League season to many’s surprise.
Now he faces a different kind of challenge.
European football adds the fixture list as expectations around new signings have also increased. Sunderland know they need more depth, but finding the right additions is becoming difficult for Le Bris’ side.
