Sunderland really seem to be upping the ante in the transfer market, particularly where a move for a new striker is concerned after the pursuit of Tom Cannon seemingly ended.
Sunderland wanted to sign Tom Cannon from Leicester City during this January transfer window. The Black Cats were even willing to pay as much as £13million at the end of the season.
But it looks like Cannon is set to join Sheffield United. It’s a huge boost for the Blades in their fight for promotion against the likes of Sunderland, who now have two weeks left to sign a new striker.
There’s certainly a need for a new striker, too. Aaron Connolly has joined Millwall leaving Wilson Isidor as the only out and out no.9, with Eliezer Mayenda seemingly preferred in other positions right now.
It’s reported that Sunderland have agreed to sign Matija Frigan from Belgian outfit Westerlo, though how reliable that is remains to be seen. Elsewhere, Sunderland are linked with Emil Riis at Preston North End.
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Sunderland target Emil Riis puts in 5/10 performance for Preston vs Watford
Riis, 26, is out of contract at Deepdale at the end of the 2024/25 season. He’s so far scored seven goals in 28 Championship appearances in the 2024/25 campaign and there’s uncertainty about his future at the club.
It’s understood that Riis is definitely someone who Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland are looking at right now, but how serious they are about an approach remains to be seen.
Expect Speakman and co to have checked in on Riis on Tuesday night when his Preston side faced Watford. The Lilywhites won 2-1 but Danish striker Riis was handed a 5/10 rating for his 20 minute cameo.
Lancashire Evening Post wrote: “Had one run forward and found [Sam] Greenwood for his chance. Needed a little bit more from him in certain situations.”
Sunderland need a striker, but they don’t need Emil Riis
Whilst Sunderland are in need of another striker addition, the signing of Riis just doesn’t scream ‘promotion contenders’ in the Championship.
He’s got a solid enough record for Preston, albeit not overwhelming. The striker has 36 goals in 155 Championship games as a Preston player.
And he can’t even get in the Preston starting XI right now. He’s been a second half substitute in the last three games and he was less than impressive in his most recent.
Speakman needs to pick out another Isidor-type signing. Regis Le Bris can’t rely solely on the Frenchman for the second half of this season, but he shouldn’t have to rely on Riis either.