Sunderland have a number of attacking players on their transfer radar, with fans excited to see what the club can do in the January transfer window.
January got off to a whirlwind start for Regis Le Bris‘ Black Cats, as he watched Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on new Year’s Day.
It’s a resounding start to 2025 for Sunderland who’ve been hit and miss in recent weeks. But that win over the Blades closes the gap to the top two to just two points.
Whilst the club’s attention will remain on the upcoming games, there’ll surely be a lot of focus on the transfer market, which is now officially open for business.
And that focus may be centred on attacking signings. Sunderland have been linked with five attackers in the build up to January, including some big names like Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
Another mentioned alongside Sunderland, and number of other Championship clubs too, is Aston Villa’s Louie Barry.
Aston Villa’s stance on Louie Barry changes, it’s bad news for Sunderland
Sunderland have been linked with Barry ahead of January. The 21-year-old former Barcelona gem scored 15 goals in 23 League One games on loan at Stockport County in the first half of the season.
Aston Villa have recalled Barry who now looks poised for a January move. It was widely thought that it’d be a loan move, but it’s now been claimed by The Telegraph that Villa ‘intend to sell’ Barry during the January transfer window.
For Sunderland, that could spell the end of their pursuit. Previous reports revealed that Aton Villa value Barry at £12.5million, which puts him well out of Sunderland’s reach under the current owners.
Sunderland’s attention could quickly turn to another Premier League star
Barry joining would’ve certainly bolstered the Sunderland squad. But with names like Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle soon returning from injury, whether or not Barry was really needed remains to be seen.
Instead, Sunderland could do with a player who’s a bit more versatile in the middle. And Le Bris would no doubt prefer a player on a permanent deal, too. Step forward: Harvey Vale.
Sunderland are keen on Chelsea’s Vale and it looks like the Blues will sell him for a cut price fee in January; much less than the £12.5million or likely more that Villa will command for Barry.
Vale remains a young player, albeit lacking a lot of experience. Though he’s impressed for Chelsea’s U21s this season and could be a perfect addition to the Sunderland ranks.