Sunderland are in dreamland this season, with Granit Xhaka’s addition of top-level experience being a big factor in their success, but Regis Le Bris has hinted at a new major signing.
The Black Cats will return to action from the international break with the hope of picking up where they left off against Arsenal two weeks ago. They shocked the Premier League leaders by overcoming a late draw at the Stadium of Light. Now, Le Brice is set to face Fulham next and admitted he expects a “tough challenge” in west London.
“They are very efficient at home, they can create chances in different ways, they are very proactive, they have a good team, good players, good experience of the coaching staff and they are really efficient.
“I’m not sure why they struggle away, but we’re not going to play away so that’s not the main theme of this game. It’s another tough challenge, but we know you can’t have easy games in this Premier League, there’s no such thing and it’s going to be another tough game.”
If a few other results go well, victory could move Sunderland into second place, four points behind leaders Arsenal. It represents an impressive breakthrough so far, and it already all but guarantees them security, potentially allowing them to focus on other ambitions.
Much of their success can be attributed to a fantastic summer transfer window. The arrival of former Arsenal player Xhaka was particularly successful, with the midfielder completing unfinished business in the Premier League.
It was so successful that the Black Cats may be looking to replicate that genius by signing a former Arsenal player named Matteo Guendouzi in 2026. Le Bris recently spoke out about the possibility of signing the Frenchman.
Le Bliss shares the latest on Matteo Guendouzi’s move to Sunderland
In the pre-match press conference before the team meeting with Fulham, Le Bris refused to rule out signing Guendouzi and even said that he was still in contact with the midfielder.
This follows reports from Italy that Sunderland have joined the race to sign the Lazio midfielder, valued at around €30m (about £26m).
It certainly looks like a welcome reunion for Le Bris, who worked with Guendouzi at Lorient during the early stages of both their careers. Now, the Frenchman is much more experienced these days, with 14 senior caps under his belt, so the Sunderland manager could benefit from that.
Sunderland, Juventus decide to release Granit Xhaka ahead of January transfer
One of Regis Le Bris’ key players is currently being targeted by the Champions League club.
Described in the past as a “great professional” by former Germany defender Arne Friedrich, Guendouzi may still have a chance to follow in Xhaka’s footsteps and finish unfinished business in the Premier League next year, courtesy of Sunderland.
