Régis Le Bris Outlines Sunderland’s January Transfer Targets in Midfield and Attack

Régis Le Bris has revealed Sunderland’s goals for the forthcoming January transfer window, reaffirming that strengthening the midfield remains the team’s top priority.

At the start of the season, Sunderland looked like they had many options. However, they are now facing key player absences. Alan Browne is out with a leg injury and has been sidelined for nearly two months. He is still several weeks away from being fully fit. Salis Abdul Samed has not played in a competitive match yet. He is back in full training, but the coaching staff needs to carefully bring him back into the game after his long break. To make things worse, Chris Rigg’s injury has left Sunderland’s manager with very few options in midfield.

Under the current circumstances, Le Bris has recognized the need for reinforcements, indicating that Sunderland will actively seek the right player to strengthen their midfield. Additionally, the Sunderland manager highlighted the club’s intention to improve their attacking options in the final third, which has been well documented.

“Right now, we’re only fielding two midfielders who can operate at the top Championship level. While we see potential in players like Milan, who is undoubtedly talented, he requires time to adjust and grow into this competitive environment. Hence, we are keeping an eye on potential signings in this area,” Le Bris remarked.

He added, “We also require a striker or versatile forward. However, with the market being as unpredictable as it is, we must remain cautious.”

It is equally important for Sunderland to retain their standout players. The club is being closely watched by top-tier teams that are monitoring the development of talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg during the early months of the campaign. While Le Bris recognizes that there may be offers for these players, he is confident that Sunderland can resist such interest. He emphasizes that it is essential to remember that these young prospects are enjoying their contributions to the promotion push.

In both scenarios, Sunderland effectively protects its players’ contracts.

“It’s still a possibility for bigger clubs to swoop in for young performers when they’re excelling on the pitch,” Le Bris stated. “Although some might draw interest from massive clubs, it’s crucial for them to recognize the positive trajectory they are on in our setup. Their growth isn’t solely about individual progress but also what they contribute to their teammates. This journey is fundamentally human, and they are truly enjoying it. The attention from other clubs is encouraging, but their commitment to our vision remains strong.”

Le Bris underscored that the spirit within the squad is a key element to Sunderland’s recruitment strategy and emphasized the importance of identifying character-driven players who can foster unity on and off the pitch, deeming it a ‘non-negotiable’ aspect of their approach.

“Finding this sense of togetherness within a group is a rarity,” he concluded. “Football has evolved, and creating a shared vision is more challenging than ever. This is advantageous for our current squad as well as for players who may join us in the future. However, they must understand that it’s a fundamental expectation to be aligned with our values.”