Brandon Williams features: 2 free agents Sunderland should still be looking to sign
With the transfer window now closed, many fans would be forgiven for thinking Sunderland’s business was over, but the club can still bring in free agents if they so please.
The Black Cats had a hectic end to the window, with four arrivals and four departures from the Stadium of Light on deadline day.
Now the dust has settled, Sunderland’s squad for the 2024/25 season can be critically assessed. While the starting eleven looks secure, there are a few gaps that the club could fill, with a couple of free agents providing appealing options.
Having let Timothee Pembele leave on loan, the Wearsiders are without cover for Trai Hume at right-back, meaning the club should seek reinforcements in that area of the pitch. Indeed, cover in both full-back areas would put Sunderland in a stronger position.
Having analysed the free agents still available, we have selected two players who would add depth to Regis Le Bris’ talented squad.
Brandon Williams
While left-back is an area of strength for the Black Cats, there are several reasons why the club should pursue a move for Williams.
There is no doubt that Dennis Cirkin is currently undroppable. The 22-year-old started the season in imperious form and has put in some of his best performances in the red and white of Sunderland.
His talent has always been there, but due to injuries, he has been unable to benefit from a sustained period in the side. Although fans will be hoping he can stay injury free, the club should prepare for all eventualities and explore back-up options.
The Black Cats do have another gem at full-back in Niall Huggins, but like Cirkin, he has been unfortunate with injuries. The Welshman required knee surgery after suffering a significant injury against Coventry City last season.
Past Huggins, the club do have Aji Alese and Leo Fuhr Hjelde, who can play that position. Like Huggins, Alese is currently out injured, while Hjelde is yet to prove his worth at the club.
The signing of Williams would be a smart one for Sunderland if they are to challenge for promotion. Although he would not come in as first choice, the 23-year-old would provide reputable cover for Cirkin and the Englishman is surely an upgrade on Hjelde.
Williams has considerable experience for his age at Premier League and Championship level, following stints at Manchester United, Norwich City and Ipswich Town. With a point to prove, he would surely relish the chance to challenge for promotion with the Black Cats.
Reggie Cannon
At right-back it is the same story for Sunderland: it is an area of strength.
Trai Hume has established himself as one of the best tacklers in the division and has made the right-back position his own at Sunderland. Such have been his levels of performance, that he has attracted interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Bournemouth, as per Football Insider.
Unlike Cirkin, the Northern Irishman has a flawless injury record at the Stadium of Light, meaning he has cemented himself as first choice. During his two-and-a-half years at the club, Hume has amassed a seismic 87 appearances.
However, the club are lacking in cover for the 22-year-old, following the departure of Pembele, who joined Le Havre AC on loan for the remainder of the season. Although Hume has an impeccable injury record, the club must be prepared if anything were to happen to the right-back.
