Matija Frigan signs: The dream Sunderland AFC XI once the transfer window closes | OneFootball

The dream Sunderland starting XI after the January transfer window closes

Sunderland are aiming to fight for automatic promotion in the second half of the Championship campaign.

Régis Le Bris will be hoping the side he’s built by the close of the January transfer window will be good enough to contend for a top two spot.

They face competition from the likes of Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds United, with the winter market now into its final week or so.

Here we look at what the dream Sunderland starting XI could look like once the 3 February transfer deadline passes…

GK: Anthony Patterson

Anthony Patterson is a key figure for Sunderland, and he will remain first-choice for the rest of the season as long as no big offer arrives from a club like Manchester United or Arsenal.

LB: Dennis Cirkin

Staying full fit 100 per cent of the time has been Dennis Cirkin’s biggest issue for Sunderland, as otherwise he is an obvious first-choice at left-back.

Keeping him in the side beyond January will be a key part of their promotion push this season.

CB: Dan Ballard

Dan Ballard is another player who is sure of their spot when fit, but could attract attention in the final week of the window.

Le Bris will be keen to see him remain at the club beyond 3 February.

CB: Luke O’Nien

Sunderland have strong centre-back options, with Chris Mepham and Aji Alese also available, but Luke O’Nien has struck up a strong partnership with Ballard.

The pair are likely to start plenty of games together between now and the end of the campaign.

RB: Trai Hume

Trai Hume is another young player that Sunderland will be hoping doesn’t go anywhere this January, as he will be key to the side in the second half of the campaign.

CM: Jobe Bellingham

Jobe Bellingham has attracted a lot of attention in the transfer market, but Sunderland will be hoping to stave that off and keep him in the starting XI as the Black Cats eye a top two spot this year.

CM: Dan Neil

Dan Neil has been a crucial part of the Sunderland team under Le Bris, and will be a regular presence in the side amid their promotion battle.

CM: Enzo Le Fee

Enzo Le Fee joined the club this January from AS Roma, and has previous experience playing under Le Bris.

While he started on the left-wing in his first game, playing through the middle is surely where we’ll be seeing him more and more as he adjusts to his new surroundings, as it is clearly his best position.

LW: Wilson Isidor

Wilson Isidor has stepped into the side well this season since joining in the summer, and has led the line well when chosen up front.

But he is capable of playing across the front line, and a move out wide might be what Le Bris has in store for the second half of the campaign.

RW: Patrick Roberts

Patrick Roberts has been a strong influence on the Sunderland side in the Championship, and remains an important creative outlet under Le Bris.

ST: Matija Frigan

It has been reported by The Northern Echo that Sunderland are optimistic about signing Matija Frigan before the window closes.

His arrival will surely signal him moving into the starting lineup given the potential cost.