Sunderland’s highest-valued XI named with Diarra and Le Fee in | OneFootball

Sunderland’s highest-valued starting XI, picked purely on transfer value, underlines the scale of last summer’s rebuild and their surprise push towards Europe.

The window opened with a £20m permanent move for Enzo Le Fee being triggered by the Wembley win over Sheffield United, then was eclipsed by a reported £30m deal for Habib Diarra after seeing off Leeds United. Experience arrived with Granit Xhaka, while Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava tightened the back line. Robin Roefs has looked a smart addition in goal and Brian Brobbey has rapidly earned cult status up front.

Based on current market valuations, the XI reads: GK Robin Roefs €25.00m, RB Trai Hume €22.00m, CB Dan Ballard €20.00m, CB Omar Alderete €15.00m, LB Dennis Cirkin €8.00m. In midfield, Habib Diarra €32.00m, Noah Sadiki €30.00m and Chris Rigg €25.00m. The front line is Chemsdine Talbi €25.00m, Enzo Le Fee €25.00m and Brian Brobbey €25.00m.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said he thinks it was probably unexpected to reach the 40-point mark so early in this first season back, but he noted the squad are now coping with injuries and fatigue. He pointed to the team’s identity and a community used to suffering.

Le Bris added that they will not look for excuses, stressing togetherness and hard work to reinforce the squad’s pillars. He believes that creates the platform for better days when the group is complete and fresher.

Source: Sunderland Echo