Sunderland endured a very up-and-down summer transfer window in which they continued their policy of bringing in young prospects, whilst also not really addressing the gaping holes in their squad.
The Black Cats lost goalscorer Ross Stewart to Southampton and brought in four attackers to replace him, none of which have scored a single goal yet.
Meanwhile, an extensive injury list has continued to affect Tony Mowbray‘s plans and leaves squad depth looking a little weak in certain areas.
Sunderland will hopefully approach the January transfer window with different intentions, as they look to have one more stab at bolstering the side before they make their second attempt at winning promotion to the Premier League.
The likes of Dan Ballard and Jack Clarke will undoubtedly be some of the first names on the team-sheet, but there could still be other places up for grabs if the Wearside outfit are willing to splash the £8m they made from Stewart’s departure.
Here is how Sunderland’s dream XI could look after the January window…
Anthony Patterson
Sunderland will be looking to bring in a new youth goalkeeper, with 16-year-old Matt Young currently their third-choice.
However, the brilliant form of Anthony Patterson this season leaves him pretty much irreplaceable. There is no chance he will be budging from in between the sticks anytime soon.
Trai Hume
A recent report from The Northern Echo claimed that Sunderland should push to sign another right-back in January, though it’s fair to say Trai Hume will be keeping his place in the team for the foreseeable future.
The Northern Irishman has been brilliant for the Black Cats and is likely one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard only signed a new contract with Sunderland in August and has been one of the club’s best players since.
There is simply no chance that he will find himself on the bench this season.
Luke O’Nien
Luke O’Nien‘s position is arguably one of the few that we could improve on, but I can’t see that happening this season.
Sunderland already welcomed Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt to the club in the summer, so it wouldn’t make much sense to bring in yet another centre-back.
Dennis Cirkin
With Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin both likely to be available in January, we certainly don’t need to be looking at a new left-back.
Niall Huggins is impressed since coming into the team this season, though it wouldn’t surprise me if Cirkin can force his way back in. The strength in competition in that position is exceptional.
Yann M’Vila
Sunderland were recently linked with a reunion with Yann M’Vila, who has been without a club since leaving Olympiacos earlier this year.
Fans would love to see the midfielder back at the Stadium of Light and it is thought that the Black Cats have considered it too.
The Frenchman would be battling Pierre Ekwah for a place in the side, though he would have to do an awful lot to displace his 21-year-old compatriot.
Dan Neil
Dan Neil has grown into an excellent player and has become a real leader for the club too, despite only turning 22 next month.
The youngster has been one of our best players this season and is likely to only drop out of the squad due to injury or fitness worries.
Jack Clarke
I can’t see Sunderland selling Jack Clarke in January and it would be very surprising if the forward wanted to leave then either.
Clarke has been brilliant this season and he will surely want to see the season out and help us win promotion, while he could then earn a move to the Premier League next summer.
Amad Diallo
While it is the strikers that haven’t been scoring this season, it is very clear that we have missed Amad Diallo.
The Ivorian was superb during the 2022/23 campaign and really made things tick for his up front.
His relationship with Patrick Roberts was also really important to the team, with his absence clearly really affecting the winger.
Patrick Roberts
Patrick Roberts only signed a new contract last week, so we can safely say he will be keeping his place in the starting line-up.
The 26-year-old hasn’t scored a goal since April, but he has still been one of our biggest threats going forward and we will never pick up a better dribbler than him.
Ali Al-Hamadi
I expect Tony Mowbray to stick at it with the likes of Nazariy Rusyn, Eliezer Mayenda, Luis Hemir and Mason Burstow.
However, if he was to take a risk and bring in yet another forward to solve our striker woes, Ali Al-Hamadi could be that man.
Sunderland have been linked with a move for the AFC Wimbledon forward, who already has six goals and five assists to his name this season.
Whether he would be what the Black Cats need is another question, with the 21-year-old only ever succeeding in League Two.