Sunderland transfer state of play and 11 deals that could still happen | OneFootball

January has been quiet for Sunderland, who rarely do major permanent business. With 14 summer signings still settling, only standout opportunities are likely to prompt moves and some outgoings are expected.

According to Sunderland Echo, attention, if anything, is on a holding midfielder and a right winger, but only at the right value.

Lutsharel Geertruida covered well during AFCON, yet midfield still looks light. Dan Neil’s limited minutes and contract uncertainty cloud his role, while Habib Diarra returns to contention after the tournament.

On the right, Bertrand Traoré has added quality but depth is thin. Chemsdine Talbi is more natural on the left, where Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra also strengthen options.

Neil’s AFCON stint brought only brief minutes, so a split could come now or in the summer. Rangers retain interest, but after signing Tochi Chukwuani a pre-contract is merely possible.

An experienced left back may depart for minutes, with Standard Liege in talks. Hjelde seeks game time, while Aji Alese and Ahmed Abdullahi could pursue loans once their U21s return-to-play progresses.

A striker addition looks unlikely as Brian Brobbey nears fitness and Mayenda impresses. Timothée Pembélé and Jay Matete have moved, and clarity is sought for Ian Poveda, Abdoullah Ba and Joe Anderson, in his final six months.

Dennis Cirkin’s contract means bids would be considered, though his form could support an extension. Patterson and Luke O’Nien lack minutes but remain valuable behind Robin Roefs, and Chris Rigg is expected to keep developing on Wearside.

Source: Sunderland Echo