Sunderland are nine days into the January transfer window and are yet to publicly make any moves for fresh blood.
The Black Cats need for new attackers is very obvious, with Nazariy Rusyn becoming their first striker to score in almost a year when he netted against Preston North End on New Year’s Day.
Jack Clarke has proven to be the only attacking threat Sunderland seem to have in their squad this term, with even Patrick Roberts seeming to lose his touch without his old pal Amad Diallo alongside him.
While Sunderland seem to already be on the hunt for a new striker, with Kieffer Moore one name linked, it may not be the only attacking position demanding an upgrade.
Patrick Roberts only just signed a new contract and is easily one of the most skilful players in the Championship, but his recent injury has displayed the Black Cats’ clear lack of depth.
Abdoullah Ba is far from the quality needed to replace Roberts, meaning the winger is rarely challenged for his place, even when he hasn’t scored a goal since last season.
So where should we look? Burnley.
Who should we look at? Manuel Benson.
Another player I really can’t believe we didn’t consider is Fabio Carvalho, who is joining Hull City on loan. The Tigers previously looked set to snap ‘electric’ Benson up this month, though perhaps Sunderland could swoop in for him instead.
Manuel Benson joined Burnley from Royal Antwerp in 2022 on a £25k-per-week contract, and played a huge role in their domination of the Championship last season.
The attacker netted eleven goals and provided three assists in 33 games, as well as bagging the match-winning goal against Blackburn Rovers to secure the league title last April.
Is Manuel Benson the man for the job?
Benson has only managed four appearances in the Premier League though and has been told he can leave Turf Moor on loan in the January transfer window.
The Belgian would add an eye for goal, pace and trickery to a weary looking Sunderland attack, while he also has the experience and the required mindset to help a club get promoted.
He also loves a long shot and could add in those type of goals that we are missing in Amad’s absence this season.
Benson is surely a signing worth going for if he is set to rejoin the Championship, while Michael Beale’s side would do very well to snap him off the hands of Hull City, who are also deep within the playoff race.
The 26-year-old would add some much-needed competition to this squad, because the likes of Jewison Bennette and Abdoullah Ba definitely won’t be up to it in the final stages of the campaign.