Sunderland must be proactive in the January transfer window, with three potential targets standing out.
The Black Cats have undergone a decent Championship campaign so far in the 2024/25 season, with Regis Le Bris’ side still being fully involved in a promotion battle.
It has been quite the fate for the French boss to get the very best out of his side considering the state they were left in following the abysmal 2023/24 season, which saw them finish in a plucky 16th place.
The Sunderland team is undoubtedly better considering the development of young trio Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, alongside the summer recruits Chris Mepham and Alan Browne, alongside plenty of others.
However, squad depth is still ultimately an issue for Le Bris’ side, and three names could significantly help for the remainder of the season that they should look at in the impending January transfer window.
Jack MacKenzie
There is no doubt that Sunderland are lacking in the full-back department, with the left side certainly being a cause for concern.
Because of this, the Black Cats could very easily look towards Aberdeen left-back Jack Mackenzie, someone who has been an integral part of a high-flying Scottish Premiership side.
The Scottish 24-year-old’s contract expires at the end of May 2025 so may potentially be available for a lower price, and there is no doubt that the Scotsman would provide necessary competition for Dennis Cirkin.
Eli Junior Kroupi
Probably the most unknown name on the list, but that certainly won’t be the case for Le Bris. Eli Junior Kroupi currently plies his trade for Ligue 2 side FC Lorient, the Sunderland boss’ former side.
He managed a solid five goals and three assists last season in their Ligue 1 relegation season and has already beaten that tally at this early stage of his emphatic Ligue 2 campaign.
For an 18-year-old, he has bags of potential as shown by his brilliant goalscoring record, and the fact that he thrived under Le Bris in the top flight of France shows that the striker would be immense for Sunderland.
Louie Barry
There is no doubt that Sunderland have issues in regards to depth at both striker and right-wing, and Aston Villa’s Louie Barry would certainly solve that.
Barry has spent the first half of the season on loan at League One outfit Stockport County, and it is expected that he will be handed a Championship loan to further aid his development after shining for the Hatters.