It would seem Sunderland’s next move in the January transfer window is to sign a new striker, but one potential target should be crossed off the list.
After securing the loan signing of Enzo Le Fee last week, Sunderland have put themselves in a great position already this month, but there should be more to come.
It is widely agreed that Sunderland’s next priority will be a new striker, with many names linked with a move to Wearside.
With Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda in great form, Sunderland need a very specific kind of striker, and one player available for a move this month would not fit that criteria.
- READ MORE: Where Enzo Le Fee ranks alongside the most valuable Championship players ahead of Sunderland move
Emmanuel Dennis is not the answer to Sunderland’s attacking needs
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth on Twitter/X, Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis is very much available for a move this month, with three Championship clubs thought to be keen.
Sheth wrote: “Interest in Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis is growing. Three Championship clubs, one from La Liga and one from Serie A are all keen to sign the player. Forest will listen to loan and permanent offers. Dennis has entered the final 18 months of his contract.”
Granted, Sunderland are not named as one of the interested parties, but it is not beyond the realms of belief to think that the Black Cats are at least considering the 27-year-old.
Dennis’ goalscoring record is not exactly eye-catching, though, and we have seen enough over the years to know that he would not be the right man for Sunderland.
His best campaign was the 2021/22 season with Watford in the top flight, when he scored ten goals in 33 games, but that was certainly more of an anomaly than an indicator of his talents — he has scored just six goals since then, including four in the Championship last season on loan at Watford.
| Statistics | Emmanuel Dennis |
|---|---|
| Career appearances | 240 |
| Career goals | 52 |
| Games per goal | 4.6 |
| Minutes per goal | 271 |
Throughout his career, Dennis has scored 52 goals in 240 games — an average of one goal every 4.6 games (or a goal every 271 minutes to be more precise) — and frankly, that is not enough to suggest he can fire the Black Cats to promotion this season.
Sunderland need goals, but a striker who is willing to play backup
The problem for Sunderland is that they need a very specific profile of player to add strength in depth to their attacking line; a player who will contribute effectively, but who will not necessarily expect to go straight into the starting lineup.
The Sunderland squad already has Isidor and Mayenda firing on all cylinders right now, with the former branded ‘one of the best’ strikers in the Championship.
Regis Le Bris essentially needs a little extra firepower, someone who can provide cover and competition for his starting pair throughout the backend of the campaign. Aaron Connolly is leaving the club this month, having failed to meet those aforementioned needs for the Black Cats.
Sunderland’s interest in Tom Cannon is tantalising, but it remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old would be willing to fight for his place on Wearside rather than being the main man at Stoke City. Still, he is exactly the kind of quality striker the Black Cats need to look at if they want to keep competing at the top this season.