Sunderland AFC should capitalise on chance to repeat Yann M’Vila trick | OneFootball

The Black Cats should be seeking a similar deal with one of their former players.

Signing a central-midfielder must be Sunderland's priority as they approach the January transfer window.

The Black Cats possess a strong team, but this is an area of the pitch the club should bolster if they are to achieve promotion.

When analysing impactful transfers of the past, the loan signing of Yann M'Vila is one the club should replicate, with a familiar name who fits the bill.

Yann M'Vila was an audacious signing for Sunderland

The signing of M'Vila in 2015 was one that caught many off guard, considering the player had once been on the cusp of joining Arsène Wenger's Arsenal.

M'Vila had been playing Europa League football with Inter Milan the season before but was determined to make an impact in the Premier League - a league he always dreamed of playing in.

The prospect of playing for a struggling side was one that did not faze the French international as he brought a touch of class to Sunderland's midfield.

Although the Wearsiders struggled for wins throughout much of the season, M'Vila steered the club from relegation with his strong leadership in the middle of the park.

Despite only playing for the club for a season, he built a special rapport with supporters who believe he was one of the club's best midfielders in the Premier League era.

The Frenchman openly spoke about his admiration for the Wearsiders and teased a return in January, which never came to fruition.

M'Vila said: "There is only one club for which I would have agreed to return to the lower division for, it is Sunderland, to help them return to the Premier League. I had an extraordinary year there."

Jordan Henderson would bring valuable qualities to Sunderland's midfield

While Jordan Henderson and M'Vila possess different qualities, the signing of Henderson would have a similar feel, given his career exploits with Liverpool and England.

The Ajax captain has been linked with a spectacular return to Wearside, with the midfielder reportedly open to returning, according to Football Insider.

Although Sunderland possess quality in the middle of the park with Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, Henderson would add another dimension.

Having played and captained at the highest level, the 34-year-old would bring experience, leadership and a winning mentality to the dressing room.

Similarly to when M'Vila joined, the midfielder would arrive with an infectious aura to the rest of the squad, who would look up to him.

Furthermore, Sunderland are a young and relatively inexperienced side and Henderson has the ability to nurture and guide them towards promotion.

Why Sunderland need to strengthen in central-midfield

The Black Cats are thin on the ground when it comes to quality in central-midfield, which could cost them if they do not address the issue in January.

Dan Neil has endured a mixed season, having been given the captain's armband over the summer. The academy product was handed the accolade during the summer, taking over from Luke O'Nien.

Neil was trending on X after Sunderland's 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, with his performance levels coming in for severe scrutiny from some supporters.

Perhaps the burden of the armband is wearing heavy on the 22-year-old, who would be the first to admit he has not been at his best this season.

The injuries to Alan Browne and Salis Abdul Samed have not helped the situation, with no quality options available to rotate with the Black Cats' captain.

Sunderland were punching above their weight when they signed M'Vila, but the overwhelming success of the deal is something the club should be looking to replicate.

If the Black Cats are going to add players of his quality, then the signing of Henderson is one the club should prioritise in January.