Some of the Sunderland ranks may force exits in the upcoming January transfer window.
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has certainly found his most reliable Sunderland squad up until this early stage of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Sunderland’s defence in particular has been unbreakable so far with Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin tying down the full-back positions, whilst the centre-back partnership of Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham has been incredibly consistent ever since the injury sustained by Dan Ballard.
The midfield and attack have also followed suit with Le Bris purposefully keeping his options very tight and limited, and as a result there are several players who will understandably see their footballing future away from Wearside.
Here are three that could easily pave January moves elsewhere due to their lack of involvement so far…
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Jewison Bennette
Even though he has impressed for the U21s at times this season, Jewison Bennette still looks to have very little future at the Stadium of Light.
The Costa Rican, who has 15-caps, is still yet to register a league game under Le Bris, who appears to have left the attacker out of his plans despite the departure of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, and it would be highly likely to see the winger moved on in January.
It is clear that Le Bris has no interest to utilise the winger after the signing of Aaron Connolly, who moved immediately above Bennette in the pecking order.
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Salis Abdul Samed
Sunderland midfielder Salis Abdul Samed signed this summer, however he is yet to notch a single minute of action under Le Bris in any competition.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian could likely call for a loan move this January to potentially get him back up to speed as he will certainly be more-than discontent with his current game time, which arguably comes down to the current options in the centre-of-the-park.
Adil Aouchiche
Sunderland midfield man Adil Aouchiche looked likely to leave this summer. His previous spell at FC Lorien also saw him low down the pecking order with Le Bris in charge, and that looks to have not changed.
The French attacking-midfielder managed 29 appearances last season, however he has been handed very little action in the league so far under Le Bris, with him tallying just 12 minutes of Championship action.
Midfield depth at this moment is brilliant for Sunderland, and with the abilities shown in the centre-of-the-park by Rigg and Bellingham in particular, Aouchiche is unlikely to get a look-in to the squad, meaning that he will almost certainly look to move on in January.