A busy transfer window for Sunderland saw Regis Le Bris improve his squad, but one target that got away could have been exactly what he needed.
With Sunderland flying high in the Championship already, it made sense to recruit in the winter window to make one last push for promotion in the business end of the season.
By the end of deadline day earlier this week, Sunderland’s incoming transfers consisted of Enzo Le Fee and Jayden Danns on loan, while Wilson Isidor made his loan move a permanent one.
However, there were a number of targets throughout the month that Sunderland failed to sign, and one of them could have been perfect for the Black Cats.
Marcus Edwards would have flourished at Sunderland
Despite interest from Sunderland towards the end of the transfer window, Marcus Edwards opted to join Burnley on loan until the end of the season.
The player himself revealed Scott Parker played a big role in persuading him to move to Turf Moor rather than the Stadium of Light. But, that really shouldn’t have been a deciding factor.
Instead, Edwards should have looked at the style of football the two teams play, and he would have quickly realised that at Sunderland, he would have been given so much more freedom and creative license in Regis Le Bris’ exciting system.
Burnley are far more rigid and defensive minded — as evidenced by their incredible volume of clean sheets this season — and while that certainly makes for a winning formula, it’s not the most tantalising style of play.
A player like Edwards, who loves to run at players, likes to take risks, and has a penchant for the spectacular, will soon find himself frustrated being part of such a conservative Burnley side.
Did Sunderland need Marcus Edwards?
Sunderland are not exactly starved for talented wingers, though it doesn’t hurt to have more if the opportunity arises. Indeed, Edwards would have come in and not just battled with Patrick Roberts for a starting spot out on the right, but would likely have become the main man out on that side.
When it looked like Tommy Watson was leaving the club on deadline day, the fact Sunderland missed out on Edwards became even more disappointing. Thankfully, Watson stayed put, and the need for another winger was nullified.
We will now always wonder just how much of an impact Edwards could have had if he joined the Black Cats. His flair, skill, and incredible creativity would’ve been a delight to watch in this Sunderland team, and the likes of Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda would have surely lapped up all the chances he would send their way.
A player of his calibre will no doubt be a success in the Championship; it’s just a shame that his talents will likely be limited by the system he’s being shoehorned into.