Inside Sunderland's January window and why they resisted major moves | OneFootball

Sunderland added three signings but prioritised exits and stability, choosing against late headline deals after a strong summer. Continuity prevailed.

According to Sunderland Echo, the club explored midfield cover and a right flank option, yet preferred internal solutions.

Much of January was about trimming numbers and rebalancing finances after rapid progression. Permanent exits and loans created space, while Abdoullah Ba and Ian Poveda remain in limbo. Melker Ellborg and Jocelin Ta Bi both add depth now and potential later.

Habib Diarra's comeback unlocks options. Sadiki can drop deeper to cover Granit Xhaka, Le Fée can move wide, and Diarra can play off the right when required. His Burnley display underlined the immediate lift.

Liverpool's surprise move for Lutsharel Geertruida briefly complicated matters, but no recall clause left Sunderland in control. Finding similar qualities at short notice was unrealistic, and talks made clear he was ready to press on.

Deadline day still brought intrigue as Simon Adingra was linked with AS Monaco. Though his quality is clear, he has not fitted Régis Le Bris's style, and reduced minutes risked devaluing him. Sunderland saw an opening for Nilson Angulo, impressive for Anderlecht, but had to navigate FIFA limits on international loans.

Schalke's permanent deal for Adil Aouchiche helped set the chain that tied Angulo's arrival to any Adingra departure. Even had it collapsed, this was bonus business rather than essential, and the summer now looks primed for more of that profile.

Source: Sunderland Echo