Sunderland have made good progress in recruiting players since entering the Premier League and could make an ambitious and methodical move to sign Ansu Fati, who is on loan from Monaco.
The Black Cats have made a good start under manager Regis Le Bris and are the most exciting of the newly promoted sides to reach the top flight, winning praise for their interesting style of football.
Nevertheless, the Sunderland manager is simply enjoying the battle, as he told BBC Sport before the 1-1 draw with Everton that the group’s next challenge is to maintain consistency in the test run of upcoming matches.
“It’s the best league in the world. We’re enjoying every game, the managers are enjoying it, we’re enjoying the stadiums, we’re enjoying everything. We know that the dynamic is really positive. Perhaps the key word is consistency. In the short term we can be competitive, but when you look at the league as a whole it’s completely different. So this will be our next challenge.”
Wilson Isidore has stepped up to take up a role in Sunderland’s batting line-up, while Chelsea star Marc Giu could return to the club in January after a brief spell at the Stadium of Light.
Of course, stocking up on offensive reinforcements to increase team depth will be critical to ensuring the Black Cats survive. Their early season form is a positive sign, but while supporters are dreaming, management are keeping their feet on the ground.
Needless to say, Sunderland are in their most exciting period for at least a decade. They are competing at the top table again and appear to be thriving under pressure, increasing their appeal to potential signings.
With that in mind, they could do everything in their power to sign an exciting international winger with the talent to add a new dimension to the final third.
Sunderland could build team around Ansu Fati
According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are keen to bring Ansu Fati, on loan from Monaco, to the North East and see him as someone who “can lead a development project within the Premier League” if the move is completed.
Aston Villa are also keen on him, but Barcelona and Monaco have agreed to sign him on a permanent deal next summer for £9.6m.
Ansu Fati’s incredible form at the start of the season | |
Appearance | 10 |
the goal | 6 |
assist | 0 |
La Blaugrana could then buy him back for around £24.5m. If neither deal happens, Sunderland will be free to pursue a move for the Spain international.
Photomob claims he has created seven chances and hit six of his 13 shots on target in Ligue 1 this season, supporting the theory that he is enjoying a resurgence in form in the Principality of Monaco.
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Of course, results in the league and future level of ambition could play into the issue, but Sunderland could very well be a match made in heaven for Fati.
