Sunderland, albeit solely after three video games of the brand new Championship season, sit proudly on the prime of the pile, protecting Watford off the summit on purpose distinction.
Three league wins from three has allowed Regis Le Bris to have a dream begin within the Stadium of Mild scorching seat thus far, with Portsmouth subsequent up in league motion, after the switch window slams shut the night earlier than.
There may even be new recruit or two for the Frenchman to name upon for this conflict down on the South Coast, if the Black Cats do find yourself making some last-minute offers, with this defensive midfielder reportedly on the agenda.
Sunderland in talks to land new midfield star
In response to French outlet L’Equipe, Le Bris might be set to raid his residence nation for some final gasp gems, as Lens holding midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is allegedly in talks to affix the table-toppers on a mortgage deal, with negotiations mentioned to be ‘progressing positively’.
FC Nantes, Brest and Saint-Etienne have all additionally been named as events wanting on the in-demand 24-year-old, however the Lens quantity six may properly fancy a contemporary problem overseas in England, over staying put in France.
Enjoying within the Champions League final season for his present employers, with Samed even beginning towards Arsenal within the illustrious competitors when Lens shocked the Gunners 2-1, this may be seen as a coup, and one other signal that Sunderland imply enterprise in making an attempt to change into critical promotion challengers.
Securing a deal for Samed may open the door for Sunderland to promote on Pierre Ekwah earlier than the window closes too, with Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne rumoured to be going after his companies beforehand.
Snapping up the 24-year-old would additionally see Sunderland acquire a relaxed and measured possibility in the course of the park snug with defending, which could give the likes of Jobe Bellingham much more freedom to assault, realizing that their new recruit can excel on the again.
What Samed can supply Sunderland
The Ghanaian midfielder averaged a mightily spectacular 88.9% go accuracy final season per match in Ligue 1, in keeping with FBref, earlier than his employers sadly suffered relegation down a division.
When on the prime of his recreation within the French top-flight, Samed – who has been dubbed “tenacious” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – would additionally showcase his battling nature, with 3.8 whole duels received on common in the course of the 2022/23 marketing campaign, as Lens clinched Champions League soccer and an opportunity to face off towards Mikel Arteta’s aspect.
|
Bellingham’s numbers vs Burnley |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Bellingham |
|
Minutes performed |
90 |
|
Objectives scored |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
|
Touches |
41 |
|
Correct passes |
24/31 (77%) |
|
Key passes |
3 |
|
Whole duels received |
5/8 |
|
Stats by Sofascore |
|
He may properly find yourself partnering Bellingham in video games to return within the Championship, with the 18-year-old sensation displaying indicators of his immense promise towards Burnley with out ever actually exploding into life, with three key passes tallied up from his shiny 90 minutes towards Scott Parker’s Clarets.
With Samed subsequent to him, who shall be very happy to take a seat again when you think about he solely has two profession strikes subsequent to his identify from 124 video games, Bellingham will really feel much less shackled by his defensive tasks. {The teenager} did compete admirably towards Burnley with 5 duels received, but it surely got here at a price, with zero photographs managed on the opposition internet in consequence.
The previous Birmingham Metropolis starlet confirmed what he can do final season when filled with confidence and allowed to play additional up the pitch, with seven objectives and one help registered from 47 whole appearances.
Samed must displace Dan Neil on his arrival, however he shall be given an on the spot likelihood to stake his declare for a beginning spot if signed, with the Sunderland stalwart having to take a seat out his aspect’s subsequent conflict at Fratton Park owing to a suspension.
Valued at £6.7m, in keeping with Transfermarkt, Sunderland may pull off a masterstroke by gaining Samed on a mortgage foundation, with Ekwah then doubtlessly transferring elsewhere.