Sunderland should battle it out for the signature of a defender with Championship experience.
Regis Le Bris’ side has been bolstered this season so far with the experienced additions of Simon Moore and Alan Browne, who arrive at the Stadium of Light with a combined 425 Championship appearances to their name.
Sunderland’s two signings were both absent from their first two pre-season friendlies, which saw Dan Neil and Chris Rigg shine for Sunderland against South Shields as Le Bris’ side won 5-0.
However, the Black Cats were undone in their second friendly against Gateshead as they lost 2-1, with Sunderland’s only goalscorer Jack Clarke admitting that Le Bris’ tactics ‘didn’t quite come off’.
It’s clear that Le Bris is in need of experienced Championship leaders in his Sunderland side, especially after the poor 2023/24 campaign which saw Sunderland finish in 16th place.
With Sunderland desperately looking for Championship experience, there is one defender that is available for transfer that would fit perfectly into Le Bris’ plans.
Sunderland should target Sheffield United defender Jayden Bogle
With just two signings through the door so far at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland would be able to massively bolster their defensive options if they were to join the race for Sheffield United defender Jayden Bogle.
The defender is currently wanted by Leeds United, however Sunderland have got the financial stability to compete with the West Yorkshire outfit in getting Bogle’s signature.
The former Derby County wing-back has an impressive 115 Championship appearances, as well as 50 games in the Premier League to his name, despite being just 23-years-old.
He played a regular part in Sheffield United’s 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with Blades manager Chris Wilder deeming the wing-back as ‘first class’.
Jayden Bogle would be a perfect signing for Sunderland
Sunderland have made it clear that they want to maintain their philosophy of nurturing young players and selling on for bigger profits, whilst this season they have looked to add Championship experience to their side.
Bogle is able to cover both grounds due to him being just 23-years-old, but also having a wealth of Championship experience, which would be crucial for Sunderland in the 2024/25 campaign.
Sheffield United have reportedly put a £7m price-tag on the defender, which is a deal that Sunderland could go close to after Kristjaan Speakman revealed that the Black Cats are currently not up against the cosh with FFP.
Depth at both right-back and right-wing is fairly light, which would be solved by signing Bogle as the Englishman is able to be utilised as an attacking threat or defensively on the right-side.
The signing makes sense for Sunderland to at least consider this season. It’ll be difficult to compete with Leeds United for his signature, however a signing of this sort would really show the ambition of Speakman.