Josh Dasilva bargain transfer a no-brainer as Sunderland have major worry
Sunderland should turn towards former Brentford midfielder Josh Dasilva to reinforce their squad immediately.
The 26-year-old has been out of contract since the summer, as he last played football in February 2024 after suffering a knee ligament injury.
Kristjaan Speakman deserves plaudits at the Stadium of Light after an impressive start to the season from the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris’ team are favourites to avoid Premier League relegation as they sit ninth in the table, but their chances could potentially take a massive hit in the coming months.
Sunderland squad depth to be tested during AFCON
With the Africa Cup of Nations set to take place between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026, the Black Cats may be facing a challenging prospect soon.
The likes of Reinildo Mandava, Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki are among the seven players who could possibly leave the Stadium of Light for the international competition in Morocco.
With the Wearside outfit facing the prospect of losing some key players from the starting lineup for a significant period during a challenging time of the season, it would make sense to reinforce the squad.
Dasilva’s situation has left the door open for the Wearside outfit, with interest emerging in the former Arsenal ace, according to SportsBoom.
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The news outlet reported on 4 September that the midfielder is still training with Brentford in hopes of earning a new contract, but it would make sense for Speakman to swoop in and offer him a contract.
Diarra and Sadiki have been cornerstones to Le Bris’ success this season, and their potential absence will undoubtedly be felt in the squad.
Regis Le Bris has one area of concern ahead of AFCON
Lutsharel Geertruida’s versatility at the Stadium of Light will come in handy, but there may still be major concerns in SR5.
Centre-back should be well covered during AFCON as Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete shine, with Dan Ballard also influential for Sunderland.
| Player | Country |
| Reinildo Mandava | Mozambique |
| Arthur Masuaku | DR Congo |
| Habib Diarra | Senegal |
| Noah Sadiki | DR Congo |
| Chemsdine Talbi | Morocco |
| Simon Adingra | Cote d’Ivoire |
| Bertrand Traore | Burkina Faso |
Eliezer Mayenda, Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey will need to step up, with the likelihood of Adingra, Bertrand Traore and Chemsdine Talbi being on the plane to Morocco.
The gruelling festive period will test the Black Cats’ midfield, with Diarra and Sadiki potentially playing for Senegal and DR Congo, respectively, and an injury to Granit Xhaka may make life difficult for Le Bris, making Dasilva’s transfer a no-brainer.
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