Should you have watched Sunderland recently the answer to the question “What are the key areas where they must strengthen?”, would be “Sunderland must strengthen in every area”. The Black Cats have struggled for form since the arrival of Phil Parkinson as manager. Whether fans like it or not, it appears that Parkinson will oversee recruitment this January.
Sunderland are currently 13th in League One in a season where they were expected to be competing for the title. However, they are unbeaten in their last four games. Parkinson’s side are still in desperate need of new personnel in the January transfer window. Here is a look at the key areas where Phil Parkinson should look to strengthen, plus a look at those who could be on their way.
Key Areas Where Sunderland Must Strengthen in January and Who Could Leave
Incomings
Central Midfield
Sunderland’s preferred formations have either been with two deep-lying midfielders with another supporting the lone striker, or, with wingbacks and again with two deep-lying midfielders. The Black Cats have recently used either Grant Leadbitter or George Dobson alongside Max Power in the middle of the park. However, neither duo have convinced in either the creativity or scoring side of the game of late.
With Sunderland’s strikers struggling, goals are required from other areas. A midfielder who can also create could prove to be an important acquisition this January.
Phil Parkinson has been linked with former Reading midfielder Liam Kelly. The Republic of Ireland international was a key member of the Royals team that reached the Championship play-offs in 2017. Kelly moved to Feyenoord last summer, following former Reading boss Jaap Stam. However, the move turned sour following Stam’s departure in October.
Another midfielder linked is Manchester United’s James Garner. The player dubbed the “next Michael Carrick” is highly thought of at Old Trafford. A loan move could be beneficial to the youngster. A deal may depend on whether Phil Parkinson decides to recall Ethan Robson from his loan spell at Grimsby Town. Robson has just six months on his current deal but has excelled on loan.
Peterborough United’s star man Marcus Maddison has been linked to his home town club for some time. Even though Maddison is out of contract in the summer, a deal could prove difficult in January due to a £2.5 million release clause.
Wing
Sunderland’s lack of pace on the wing has caused concerns amongst many fans. Many times, attacks have come to a halt or slowed down due to a lack of pace. The Black Cats have several skilful players in wide areas, but they can lack the speed to cause defenders problems. Duncan Watmore has come back into the side of late and can cause problems with his pace. However, the forward has struggled with serious injuries in the past several years and is also nearing the end of his current contract.
Bristol City winger Hakeeb Adelakun has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light via Football Insider. The 23-year-old moved to Aston Gate in 2018 from Scunthorpe United but has failed to make the impact he would have liked. Adelakun can play anywhere across the front line. A loan move could give him the chance to prove himself once again.
Sunderland Must Strengthen Their Options Up Front
It is no secret that Sunderland have struggled for goals from their strikers this season. Last January’s big signing Will Grigg has not been a success. Marc McNulty is on loan from Reading and although he has impressed on occasions, is behind Charlie Wyke in the pecking order. Wyke can prove a handful for defenders but his scoring rate is not a good one.
Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with Phil Parkinson declaring his interest, telling the Sunderland Echo: “He is a player we have looked at and has pace and power. He is someone we have been monitoring.” Parkinson could face competition from several other clubs who are also interested in a loan deal.
Sunderland Must Strengthen, But Players Could Also Leave
Who Could Leave
Jon McLaughlin
Scotland international Jon McLaughlin has been first choice at the Stadium of Light for much of his time on Wearside. However, his current contract is set to expire in the summer. A free transfer in 2018, Phil Parkinson could be tempted to cash in on the shot-stopper should an acceptable offer be received. Lee Burge signed in the summer from Coventry City has proved a capable understudy and former Bolton Wanderers keeper Ben Alnwick has been training with the club.
Dylan McGeouch
The Scottish midfielder has had little game time this season. A midfielder who can on his day dictate the game. However, he appears not cut out for the style of play in League One. He would be more suited to a league where he would have more time on the ball. A return to Scotland seems his most likely destination. Hibernian and Aberdeen have been linked with the player.
Aiden McGeady
Former Celtic star Aiden McGeady has already been told he can leave due to his conduct on and off the field. His departure should bring in extra transfer funds and a large amount off the wage bill. A star for the team last season, the winger has looked a shadow of his former self this season. According to the Sunderland Echo, Championship clubs Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City are interested. As is his former boss at Preston and Sunderland Simon Grayson. Grayson is currently in charge at Blackpool.
Will Grigg
A prolific League One striker elsewhere, it just hasn’t worked for him at Sunderland. On recently performances it looks unlikely to change. Grigg has scored just three goals this season with only one of those being in the League. Should the Black Cats be able to attract one or even two new forwards, it could make Grigg surplus to requirements. Whether the club can recoup the money they paid for him could be a sticking point.
A loan deal is possible; however, wages would have to be negotiated. Blackpool have been linked with a loan move although they would require Sunderland to accept a ‘low wage contribution according to the Shields Gazzette.
Tom Flanagan
Northern Ireland international Flanagan, has failed to win over supporters since his arrival in 2018. the versatile defender has struggled to hold down a regular place under either Jack Ross or Phil Parkinson. With his current deal expiring in the summer, a January exit could suit both the player and the club should a fee be agreed.
Duncan Watmore
Watmore has suffered more than his fair share of injuries over the past several seasons. Two serious knee injuries, amongst others, could have ended the forward’s career. However, he has impressed since coming back into the side. Watmore is another who only has a contract until the end of the season. It is unlikely that Parkinson and the fans would want to lose the player, but should a bid be received from a club in a higher division, it could prove difficult to keep hold of the player.
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