Sunderland’s flying start to life back in the Premier League has opened doors to “another level” of potential new signing in the January transfer window.
The Black Cats expect to be busy in the New Year window. That’s partly down to the club’s greater sense of security about retaining top-flight status next season, but also thanks to their deliberate policy of “gaming” profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) when in the Championship to give them sizeable headroom to continue to spend.
Sunderland invested just over £100m in the summer. Internally, the club calculate dealings in Euros to reflect where most of their recruitment focus lies, so fees reported at the time were exaggerated, but they still have the ability to spend again.
The i Paper understands there’s an expectation that Sunderland will add in attacking areas in January as they look to consolidate a fine start to the season.
There is an interest in Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi, who has been heavily linked in the Italian media – but what really sets that link apart is that the player is also understood be very keen on exploring a move to Wearside.
One source with knowledge of Sunderland’s recruitment pitch to potential players said it centred around an ambition of establishing themselves as a top 10 Premier League club. Results on the pitch on their return to the top flight have backed that up and piqued the interest of agents who wouldn’t have had them on their radar 12 months ago when they were fighting in the Championship.
“Sunderland? It’s a very interesting project, they are definitely part of the conversation now,” said one recruitment source who operates at the top level in Portugal. He claimed the Black Cats have had scouting presence at big games in the Primeira Liga recently, which would be a pivot from France and Belgium where most of their business has been conducted.
It’s likely the French market will continue to be their focus and a recent behind-the-scenes documentary on Canal+, who own the Premier League rights in France, was notable by the level of access that was granted.
Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus gave an interview and spoke of making Europe and qualifying for the Champions League as realistic aim in the near future and that message has been heard overseas.
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If they do move in January it will likely be a mix of moving for long-term targets (planning several windows in advance rather than making reactive moves), and plugging the gaps left by players who will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) later in December.
They expect to lose six players during the tournament but are hopeful that they will remain in the North-East until after the Wear-Tyne derby with Newcastle, which is the biggest game of the month.
Sunderland now boast excellent relations with Chelsea after their dealings on striker Marc Guiu and would be open to striking loan deals with the Blues. They have slots open to supplement their squad.
The true extent of the club’s ambition for this season may be revealed over the next three games – with Sunderland facing Liverpool at Anfield, Manchester City at the Etihad and then Newcastle at the Stadium of Light. Emerge from that within touching distance of the top six and they can start to dream of Europe.
from Football - The i Paper https://ift.tt/Qyxsm61
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