‘Japhet Tanganga next’ as Sunderland agree £10m transfer
Sunderland have finally started to bolster their defence ahead of their first Premier League campaign in eight years.
Concerns were raised following Chris Mepham’s return to Bournemouth and Luke O’Nien’s shoulder injury about the Mackems’ lack of depth.
Former West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has helped bolster the defence, alongside Reinildo, but supporters have been crying out for more centre-backs.
With that being said, Regis Le Bris now looks to be sorting out his backline with his latest incoming.
Sunderland could sign Japhet Tanganga after Omar Alderete deal
During preseason, Le Bris has had a good opportunity to assess his side and sort out any weaknesses.
The 1-0 win against Augsburg on Saturday (9 August) will have filled the Sunderland boss with optimism, but the Black Cats’ confidence would have taken a hit after the 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano the next day (10 August).
Defensive issues were again at the forefront for the Mackems, and they now look to be signing Getafe defender Omar Alderete.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X (11 August), Sunderland have agreed a £10million fee with Getafe for the centre-back, who will sign a four-year contract on Wearside.
Alderete has impressed in Spain, after finding a knack for goalscoring for Hertha Berlin from 2020 to 2023.
The Paraguayan’s transfer could be followed by Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga.
Tanganga had been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light earlier in the transfer window, after an impressive debut season in the Championship with the Lions.
At the time, the Mackems chose to prioritise signings in other areas of the pitch, but the Black Cats could now return to explore a possible deal.
The defender offers versatility at the back and can play in the middle or on the right.
After signing from Tottenham last summer, a clause was reportedly inserted into his contract making him available for Premier League clubs at a price of just £2million.
For what Tanganga would offer to Sunderland, he would be a steal.
How do Tanganga and Alderete compare?
Like Tanganga, Alderete also offers versatility, having played at left-back for some of his career.
| Stats for the 2024/25 campaign per 90 minutes | Omar Alderete | Japhet Tanganga |
| Tackles | 1.30 | 1.38 |
| Interceptions | 1.21 | 0.91 |
| Blocks | 1.15 | 1.01 |
| Clearances | 7.30 | 5.58 |
| Aerial duels won | 3.06 | 3.06 |
At £10m, the Paraguayan would also be a bit of a steal, and the pair could be the difference between survival and relegation.
Notably, newly promoted sides struggle to shut out Premier League opposition, and the Mackems have a chance to become an anomaly, with Tanganga and Alderete at the back.
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