Kevin Phillips assesses Sunderland window, praises precision but notes striker shortfall | OneFootball

Kevin Phillips believes Sunderland were very precise in the summer window but says another centre-forward would have rounded off their work.

“I think they were very precise in what they wanted. They identified the areas and the positions that they wanted to strengthen in. I think they've managed to do that. I think probably the only one slightly disappointing, I would say, is not being able to bring another striker to the football club.” He told BestBettingSites.co.uk.

Sunderland made six senior additions. Thomas Meunier was first, a free from Lille to bolster the right. Dayann Méthalie arrived from Toulouse for a reported £25.7million with add-ons, then Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for around £8million.

Kevin Danso joined on loan from Tottenham with an obligation to buy if performance-related terms are met, understood to be tied to avoiding relegation. On deadline day Malick Fofana signed from Lyon for about £25.7million, potentially £30.9million with add-ons. Ecuador striker Juan Riquelme Angulo, 18, completed the business for a reported £5million as a development signing.

“Obviously, with Brobbey and Isidor, the two recognised ones. I know Angulo's signed, but he's more of a wide player. But apart from that, I think the areas that they brought in, I would have to say, if I was rating out of 10 I'd give it an 8, if they'd managed to get that striker in, then probably looking at around about a 9.”

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”