Kristjaan Speakman is the man behind the transfers at Sunderland. And for all the praise he deserves for his recent work, there’s still some criticisms.
Sunderland’s January transfer window ended as quite a mixed one. The signing of Enzo Le Fee is a hugely positive one, so too the signing of Wilson Isidor on a permanent deal, but more was needed.
On deadline day, the Black Cats got a loan deal over the line for Jayden Danns. But Sunderland fans have questioned the signing with Danns now facing a stint on the sidelines, with his return date unknown.
Strikers was once again the need for Sunderland going into deadline day. Once again, though, Kristjaan Speakman seems to have left the manager somewhat short in that department.
Isidor remains the no.1 choice for Regis Le Bris who then has just Eliezer Mayenda to call upon, and Danns when he’s eventually fit to play. Though whether those options are enough to see Sunderland over the line this season remains to be seen.
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Marco Gabbiadini critical of Sunderland’s January transfer window
Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland man Marco Gabbiadini has given his views on the Black Cats’ January transfer business, and he’s not all that impressed with the deals done.
Only wake of Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against Watford in the last outing, Gabbiadini thinks that the Black Cats still lack options in attack, highlighting the fact that Le Bris has very little firepower to bring off the bench.
Gabbiadini explained: “Isidor hardly had a touch, he gets booked, that affects maybe how he can play the game. But who do we have on the bench to replace him? Nobody.
“We’ve left ourselves short again in the transfer window, haven’t we. And we’re in danger of this happening on quite a few occasions in the coming weeks.”
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What Marco Gabbiadini said about Sunderland’s January signings
Gabbiadini has been quite vocal about Sunderland’s January transfer business since the closure of the window earlier in February. The signing of Le Fee was certainly a high point, and the signing of Isidor too, but overall, more could’ve been done.
Speaking about Sunderland’s January signings, Gabbiadini had this to say: “There weren’t too many surprises. They didn’t particularly push the boat out. Enzo Le Fee is a good signing.
“I thought it was quit an impactful signing that one, because of the fee involved and the agreement to pay the fee if we got promoted, I thought maybe it would be followed up with some more, and it wasn’t really.
“A loan at the end [Danns], so is that a disappointment? I don’t know if I’m disappointed, it would’ve just made it a little bit easier for the head coach.”
Games like the Watford one certainly highlight a need for a bit of extra forespore in the side, amongst other issues too. But a lack of strikers certainly seems like a worry right now and an injury to Isidor would be a big issue for Le Bris and co.