Sunderland could be in for a brilliant second half of the 2024/25 Championship season after their successful January transfer window.
After the January transfer window, Sunderland have added to their numbers minimally, whilst also preserving their top talents to stay at least up until the conclusion of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
One player that was being hotly-pursued on deadline day was Tommy Watson, who was subject to major interest from Premier League side Brighton, but no move could materialise with Sunderland and Kristjaan Speakman holding firm in their valuation for the 18-year-old wonder.
In total, there were three signings made by Sunderland, starting off with the ambitious deal to bring in Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma, as well as Speakman making the correct decision to sign Wilson Isidor on a permanent deal, as well as bring in Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns for extra striker cover.
After such a brilliant transfer period at the halfway stage of the campaign, here is how the rest of the season could unfold…
Sunderland ace Wilson Isidor continues goalscoring form and hits 20-goal mark
One of Sunderland’s biggest revelations this season has been their French goalscoring man Isidor, with his ability to wrong-foot defenders, find himself space to make darting runs towards goal and show such composure in one-on-one situations.
With a current goal tally sitting at 10 in the Championship season, there is no reason why he couldn’t hit the incredible 20-goal mark this season, and even go further by beating Ross Stewart’s tally of 24 that he hit in the 2021/22 League One campaign.
The recent win against Middlesbrough showed that Isidor has continued his top form, and has also matured into a player that can also shine as a lone forward, despite issues often cropping up earlier in the season when not played alongside Eliezer Mayenda.
- READ MORE: How Sunderland ace Tommy Watson really felt about Brighton’s deadline day interest revealed
Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle return helps Regis Le Bris’ side continue promotion push
Both Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle have been out of action for months at Sunderland, which caused severe issues for the left-flank in regards to depth before the January transfer window.
However, Le Bris has given a positive update regarding their incoming return from the sidelines, with both set to return in the coming weeks.
The attacking pair will feel like new signings for Sunderland, who will revolutionise the side and offer more support to Isidor as he continues his fine goalscoring run.
The Black Cats capitalise on weak play-off competition and achieve promotion on the grandstage of Wembley
At this stage, Sunderland’s opposition for their automatic promotion push is showing very few signings of slowing down, particularly Leeds United, who have doses of Premier League quality in every position, as well as Burnley, whose defensive record this season has gone far beyond remarkable at this point.
Because of this, it does look more likely that Sunderland will settle for the play-offs, but there is every chance that they will go into this as favourites.
Looking at the sides in-and-around the play-offs at present, Sunderland and Regis Le Bris will and should feel quietly confident about the quality difference in favour of the Black Cats. Whilst the play-offs do tend to be a lottery at times, an on-form Sunderland side would certainly earn themselves a return to the Premier League.