Sunderland are once again in the mix for promotion to the Premier League but there are three key free agents Regis Le Bris must sign to ensure they get it over the line.
The Black Cats have had an unreal start to the new campaign. After five games, the club sit second after winning four and losing just once.
Despite only joining in the summer, Le Bris has helped breathe new life into the Stadium of Light, with there now being real optimism that Sunderland could be promoted this campaign.
However, there is still room for improvement which could help ensure the club are in the promotion places by the season’s end.
Therefore, Sunderland AFC News has highlighted three current free agents Le Bris must target to ensure they reach the Premier League.
Ivan Cavaleiro
The experienced attacker is now without a club since he was released by Lille in the summer.
Throughout his career, Ivan Cavaleiro has had plenty of success in England, especially in the Championship.
Joining Wolves in 2016, in his second season, he helped the Old Gold win promotion to the Premier League after scoring nine times.
Soon after, he joined Fulham and oversaw another two promotions with the London club, including a Championship title.
Now at 30 years old, Cavaleiro would be a fantastic option for Le Bris. The former Portuguese international would add much-needed experience to a young squad and could easily pick up goals from off the bench.
Read more: Key dates for Sunderland’s 2024/25 campaign.
Cyrus Christie
Another player with promotion experience, Cyrus Christie has enjoyed a successful career to date.
The right-back has played for numerous English clubs including Coventry City, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Fulham, and most recently Hull City.
At Fulham, the defender found the most successful, as he helped the club earn promotion twice through the playoffs.
Throughout the last campaign, he made 28 appearances for Hull City in all competitions before he was released in the summer.
Now at 31 years old Christie could be exactly what Sunderland needs. The full-back could come into games and use his experience to ensure the Black Cats see out results and do not panic.
This trait could become crucial if Sunderland continues to challenge for promotion throughout the season.
Aaron Connolly
Despite a successful goalscoring record at Hull City, Aaron Connolly is without a club for the current campaign.
The Brighton graduate joined the Tigers initially on loan in the 2022/23 campaign before the move became permanent the following summer.
The forward netted eight goals in 29 appearances for Hull, with many coming at vital times off the bench.
For any team gunning for promotion, this is a talent you can’t afford to pass up on. If Connolly had come on against Plymouth last weekend, it could have tipped the balance and helped continue the Black Cats’ unbeaten run.
With Connolly also a Republic of Ireland international, he also knows Alan Browne which could make his transition into the club easier.