Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was quizzed on the club’s ongoing need for a goal-scoring no.9.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris held his first press conference with the club on Wednesday.
He discussed an array of topics, also outlining his admiration for Sunderland fans after meeting several during the club’s 2024/25 home shirt launch recently.
A key topic of discussion was this summer’s transfer window; Sunderland’s sole signing so far is the free capture of goalkeeper Simon Moore.
And a key topic within transfer matters is of course Sunderland’s ongoing, and pressing need for an out and out, goal-scoring no.9.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has faced criticism for his inability to find a prolific centre forward with last summer’s arrivals failing to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
Le Bris was asked to give his thoughts on the club’s striker search this summer, and he gave a clear answer.
Regis Le Bris quizzed on Sunderland striker search
Since Sunderland’s promotion to the Championship in 2022, and since the injuries troubles and eventual exit of Ross Stewart, the Black Cats have relied heavily on goals from midfielders and wingers.
Last summer, Speakman signed Nazariy Rusyn and Luis Hemir on permanent deals, and Mason Burstow on loan, but the trio managed just three Championship goals between them last season.
Asked for his thoughts on what will be another striker search for Speakman this summer, Le Bris made didn’t hide way from the fact that a prolific no.9 is needed.
He told journalist Phil Smith: “We know that this position is very important. The club is very aware of this. We are clear on the needs of the team.”
Kristjaan Speakman has to shop in the right places for Sunderland
Speakman and Sunderland clearly made an effort to sign strikers last summer. But the shortcomings of Rusyn and Hemir in particular further highlight the need for Championship experience.
There’s a growing sense that Sunderland will target players with Championship experience this summer, with Le Bris alluding to that during his press conference on Wednesday.
So for Speakman, it’s a case of shopping in the right places, for the right players.
He’s likely not going to find a player with relevant Championship experience overseas. Instead, he should shop in the Premier League and Championship for a scoring no.9.
If Le Bris can get a striker or even two who’ve proven themselves in the Championship, and can keep names like Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham, then Sunderland could have a very dangerous attack next season.
There’s a lot of work to do at the Stadium of Light this summer. And it mostly comes down to Speakman.