What do Sunderland need in January?
As has been the case for several seasons now, a striker is once again a priority. Regis Le Bris has made no secret of the need for someone reliable up front and has stressed in recent weeks if they continue to create chances and fail to take them they will need reinforcements.
A right-back is arguably required but aside from that the midfield and defence is fairly robust.
What sort of business are they likely to do?
With several players due back from injury and most areas of the team well covered it’s likely that business in January will be fairly limited.
Jordan Henderson’s name keeps resurfacing and while fans would love to see him return it appears to fly in the face of the club model of recruiting young players with a sell-on value.
How successful have they been in recent January windows?
Hit and miss. Last season was quiet. Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle arrived on permanent deals and while Hjelde has struggled to make an impact, Mundle has been a surprise success but unfortunately ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.
However, with him being due to return soon he will appear as good as a new signing.
Are there likely to be any notable departures?
The club will try to move on Adil Aouchiche, Abdoullah Ba and perhaps Nazariy Rusyn. A few players may leave on loan. Joe Anderson, Zak Johnson and Jewison Bennette come to mind.
The biggest challenge will be keeping hold of their ‘star’ players – but they are all under contract and barring any offers that are just too good to turn down, it is unlikely there will be any departures.
If there are it would be hoped a deal would be struck for a loan back to the end of the season.
How important is the transfer window likely to be in determining the success of their season?
Potentially critical. If Sunderland are still in the top six, the window could be vital in terms of both players arriving and leaving. Fans will gauge the club’s ambitions by the measure of the January business.