BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman talks to Head coach Regis Le Bris (R) during a Pre Season Friendly match between Bradford City and Sunderland at Coral Windows Stadium, Valley Parade on July 30, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
One glaring issue remains at Sunderland despite impressive deadline day haul
Sunderland enjoyed an impressive end to the summer transfer window.
On deadline day, Sunderland were linked with a horde of players, with strikers being the main focus for Kristjaan Speakman.
In the end, Sunderland signed four new players, including one striker; Ahmed Abdullahi from Gent.
The other names who joined were midfielders Salis Abdul Samed and Milan Aleksic, with centre-back Chris Mepham joining on loan from Bournemouth.
In the end, nine new players arrived at the Stadium of Light over the summer, giving Regis Le Bris a well-stocked first-team squad as we move further into the 2024/25 Championship season.
The other names to have arrived on Wearside this summer are goalkeepers Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu, Alan Browne, Ian Poveda, and striker Wilson Isidor on loan from Zenit.
But for Le Bris and Speakman, one glaring issue may remain following the conclusion of the summer transfer window, and it’s one that Speakman has had ample time to sort out.
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Sunderland still lack a proven Championship striker
Once again going into this summer’s transfer window, the main task for Speakman was to sign a striker.
Not only that, but to sign a striker who had proven himself in the Championship beforehand.
And whilst Sunderland have signed two exciting strikers in Isidor and Abdullahi, Le Bris still lacks a goalscorer who he knows can cut it in the Championship.
We saw last summer three seemingly exciting strikers arrive at Sunderland, though none would live up to the task, proving that forwards can be very hit and miss in the second tier.
Following Jack Clarke’s move to Ipswich Town as well, a goal-scorer is very much needed at Sunderland right now.
The plan that Regis Le Bris will now have at Sunderland
In an ideal world, one of Eliezer Mayenda, Isidor or Abdullahi step up and score 15 or so goals for Sunderland this season.
That would replace the goals of Clarke. But all three lack Championship experience, and so it’s going to be a huge ask.
Instead, Le Bris might rely on goals from elsewhere on the pitch; from the likes of Jobe Bellingham who scored seven last season, and Romaine Mundle who looks ready for the challenge of filling Clarke’s boots.
Le Bris also needs to find a way of getting the likes of Chris Rigg scoring; he’s had several scoring opportunities this season but is yet to get off the mark.
Time will tell if Sunderland are going to pay for not signing a proven Championship striker this summer.
