Sunderland explain deadline-day calls amid right-winger setback | OneFootball

Sunderland insiders have set out the logic behind a measured summer window and why a specialist right winger was not essential.

According to Sunderland Echo, one priority was to add size and presence, with Thomas Meunier, Dayann Méthalie, Jules Ahoka, Kevin Danso and Juan Riquelme Angulo lifting the height profile, roughly six foot two to six foot four.

They also sought balance, blending prospects Méthalie, Ahoka, Malick Fofana and Angulo with the experience of Meunier and Danso, building depth for the Premier League, Europa League and both domestic cups.

A natural right winger was pursued late on deadline day, but a proposed move for Benfica’s Dodi Lukébakio collapsed, leaving no obvious specialist and a mild frustration rather than a shortage. The internal view favours versatility over fixed roles.

Options include Nilson Angulo on the right, Malick Fofana switching flanks, Enzo Le Fée often left under Régis Le Bris, plus Chris Rigg and Habib Diarra on the right in different systems. Trai Hume offers a more defensive variant.

The gap between cover and an out-and-out winger is acknowledged, yet Sunderland believe variety suffices. Fofana adds a one-against-one threat, while Romaine Mundle and Chemsdine Talbi increase rotation on either flank.

Retention mattered too, with Wilson Isidor and Mundle signing until 2030, Robin Roefs to 2031, and Jenson Seelt to 2030 before a loan to Swansea City.

Overall, Sunderland targeted height, experience without abandoning youth, and depth for four fronts. The missing specialist right winger remains a question mark the club consider manageable.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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