Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman is seen during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Leeds United at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
30-cap international who’s a free agent is perfect for Sunderland amid Pembele uncertainty
Sunderland could see some comings and goings in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
The summer transfer window slams shuts on August 30th, and for Sunderland, there’s plenty of work to do.
Of course, signing a new striker remains the priority. So far this summer, though, Sunderland have struggled on that front.
Kristjaan Speakman has insisted that a new striker will be brought to the Stadium of Light this summer, whilst Regis Le Bris has insisted that it must be the right one for the club.
So far this summer, Sunderland have been linked with Alexandre Mendy and Ike Ugbo; a deal for Mendy appears to have gone cold though, whilst Ugbo has signed for Sheffield Wednesday.
Le Bris spoke the striker situation on Thursday. But the Sunderland manager appeared to hint at the club needing a new striker before August 30th.
A new problem position could soon emerge though, after Le Bris revealed that Timothee Pembele could leave Sunderland on loan.
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Should Pembele leave on loan then Trai Hume will be the only natural right-back at the club.
Then if Hume becomes injured, it’ll open up a void in the defence, with Jenson Seelt currently injured.
Le Bris and Speakman then, should they send Pembele out on loan, will need another right-back to provide some coverage for the season ahead.
And Cyrus Christie could be the perfect stop-gap for the Black Cats; a 30-cap former Republic of Ireland international, vastly experienced in the Championship, and available on a free transfer.
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Why Cyrus Christie would be perfect for Sunderland
A natural right-back, Christie is a free agent after being let go by Hull City at the end of last season.
The 31-year-old has represented the likes of Coventry City, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Fulham Nottingham Forest, Swansea City, and Hull in his career.
He’s got 320 Championship appearances to his name and 32 assists too, having long been a right-back with the athleticism and creativity to bomb forward and contribute in attack.
On a one-yer deal, Christie could be the perfect stop-gap signing for Sunderland to allow Pembele to go out on loan and not leave themselves too short in that right-back area.
And for Christie, a move up the east coast to Sunderland could well be favourable for him, after spending two years with Hull City.
Whilst a new striker remains a priority for Speakman and Sunderland, a new right-back, even if Pembele ends up staying, could prove vital.
