Sunderland look as though they’re gearing up for a frantic final two weeks of the transfer window. Several names are linked to the Stadium of Light right now, with another new name having been added.
Kristjaan Speakman was a busy man on deadline day last summer. He brought four new faces to Sunderland, and if no deals go through soon then we could see some happen on deadline day of this winter window.
The Black Cats are linked with a growing handful of players but few deals seem as though they’re imminent as of right now. But it is reported that Sunderland have agreed a deal for Matija Frigan, and he could become Sunderland’s second January signing after Enzo Le Fee.
Whether or not Sunderland’s search for a new striker goes on past Frigan remains to be seen. Wilson Isidor is the only real no.9 for Regis Le Bris after Aaron Connolly left for Millwall.
What’s more is that it’s been revealed Sheffield United are set to sign Tom Cannon, after the Black Cats moved for the Leicester City man.
Sunderland looking at Preston striker Emil Riis
Now, Michael Graham has added another striker to Sunderland’s transfer radar in Emil Riis. The Preston North End frontman has seven goals and two assists in 27 Championship games in 2024/25, with 36 in 154 total second tier games with Preston.
Graham says that Sunderland are ‘definitely’ looking at Riis right now, though how seriously they’re looking remains unclear. The 26-year-old is out of contract at Deepdale in the summer of 2025 and there’s uncertainty over whether or not he’ll extend his stay in Lancashire.
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What has Paul Heckingbottom said about Emil Riis’ Preston future?
Paul Heckingbottom has said very little on Riis’ future at Deepdale. But former Sunderland manager target Heckingbottom believes that the Danish striker is currently happy playing his football at Preston.
Speaking at the start of January, Heckingbottom was asked whether Riis will sign a new contract. He said: “Players are well within their rights to let their contracts run down. There is nothing you can do about that. But I know Emil is enjoying his football – you can see that.”
Sunderland looking at Riis then might be with a view to making their move in the summer, as opposed to during this January transfer window.
It’s difficult to envision Sunderland moving for Frigan and then Riis given how much Frigan could end up costing the club.
But another link to a decent player is very exciting, and it shows the Sunderland owners’ motivation for the final weeks of January.