The three key transfer priorities for Florent Ghisolfi this summer | OneFootball

Sunderland’s retained list, confirmed last week, frames a quieter but pivotal window after Europa League qualification. Director of football Florent Ghisolfi now has targeted work to ready the squad.

With several fringe players weighing up moves, churn across the pitch is likely. According to Sunderland Echo, the retained list underlined three gaps to address, right wing, left back and defensive midfield.

There is imbalance out wide, with four left wingers retained and only Jocelin Ta Bi on the right after Bertrand Traoré’s exit. Ta Bi will get a pre-season chance and is expected to stay, though his limited experience means he is unlikely to start every week. Le Bris can turn to Talbi, Angulo or Trai Hume on that flank, but added experience would help over a campaign.

At left back, parting with Dennis Cirkin looks sensible, with Reinildo the clear first choice. Hume’s versatility offers cover, and a permanent Lutsharel Geertruida deal would bolster full back depth. Even then, Sunderland arguably lack a natural left footer to compete with Reinildo, and Europa League adds at least eight fixtures after he missed some through injury and suspension.

Deeper in midfield, the lack of cover for Granit Xhaka was exposed as Dan Neil’s future lay elsewhere. January was difficult, so Lutsharel Geertruida acted as the main back-up. Xhaka excelled and should remain influential, but with at least 50 matches Sunderland need depth, even with Chris Rigg’s emergence and Enzo Le Fée’s strong finish, and Neil is yet to be replaced.

Source: Sunderland Echo