Louie Barry in, 1 out: Sunderland AFC transfers we urge the club to make before February 3rd | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at a couple of potential deals that could benefit Sunderland in January.

Sunderland have put themselves well in contention to push for promotion to the Premier League this season, so it is important that the club makes the right decisions during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Black Cats have impressed under new boss Regis Le Bris during the early months of the campaign, and are currently fourth in the Championship table ahead of consecutive home games against Stoke City and Bristol City.

Several young players have shown maturity beyond their years so far this season, and it was particularly apparent during the first half of their narrow defeat against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Friday night that, despite the average age of the squad, Sunderland are unlikely to be overawed by any of the big occasions that lie ahead of them during the remainder of the campaign.

Le Bris will be frustrated that his side have failed to score in four of their last six games in the Championship, especially considering that a few more goals might have enabled Sunderland to still be inside the top two at this stage, so he may be considering ways in which he can add to his attacking options during the upcoming January transfer window.

Let's take a look at two potential pieces of business that could improve Sunderland's chances of success this season.

Louie Barry signs

Sunderland may be in the market for a player who knows where the back of the net is, and Stockport County loanee Louie Barry is someone who fits that bill.

The 21-year-old has been on fire in League One so far this season, with it seemingly apparent that his ability in front of goal will make him capable of performing at a higher level.

It has been reported that Aston Villa plan to recall Barry in January with a view to loaning him back out to a Championship club for the second half of the campaign, and Sunderland should join the queue of clubs interested in striking a temporary deal.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday have already been linked with a move for the attacker, who would be able to give Le Bris another option on the left-hand side if Sunderland were able to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

Teenager Tom Watson has started each of Sunderland's last three games on the left-wing, and while he particularly caught the eye in the first half against Sheffield United, Barry's end product is more refined at this stage, which is exactly what Sunderland need as they look to get firing again in the final third.

Nazariy Rusyn leaves

Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn has been limited to just six substitute appearances in the Championship this season, with it seeming as though he has not impressed new boss Le Bris enough to earn a league start.

The 26-year-old is unlikely to be content with his lack of minutes so far this season, and Sunderland should not stand in his way if he wishes to depart.

Rusyn has only managed to score twice for the Black Cats since joining the club from Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk in the summer of 2023, and while some supporters may want to see him given another chance to prove himself, it would not be a huge surprise to see him leave on loan or permanently during the upcoming transfer window.