Sunderland’s strongest XI by transfer value as key men miss out | OneFootball

Sunderland’s priciest starting XI, picked purely on transfer value, puts Robin Roefs in goal with Brian Brobbey leading the line.

According to Sunderland Echo, an ambitious summer window after their Championship play-off final win rebuilt the squad for a Premier League return.

It began with a club-record move for loan star Enzo Le Fee, whose £20m permanent switch was triggered by the Wembley win over Sheffield United, then was eclipsed as Habib Diarra arrived from Strasbourg in a reported £30m deal after interest from Leeds United.

Experience and depth followed with Granit Xhaka, plus defenders Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava.

The value-based 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, MF Habib Diarra €32.00m, MF Noah Sadiki €30.00m, MF Chris Rigg €25.00m, LW Chemsdine Talbi €25.00m, RW Enzo Le Fee €25.00m, FW Brian Brobbey €25.00m.

The overhaul has underpinned an unexpected push for Europe in their first season back. Regis Le Bris said reaching 40 points came earlier than expected, but injuries and fatigue are biting. He added there would be no excuses, only togetherness and identity, and that this spell could strengthen their pillars and set up better days when the squad regains fitness and freshness.

Source: Sunderland Echo