Sunderland chief Speakman makes ‘unique’ admission about January transfer window
Kristjaan Speakman has said Sunderland have begun “preparations” ahead of the January transfer window with the chief “optimistic” about what will happen.
A six-game winless run has halted the early progress made by the Black Cats but January could remain the deciding factor as to what success they can achieve this campaign.
Sunderland boast a good squad as a whole but certainly have some areas of improvement with David Jones highlighting the striker position as one of them.
Black Cats chief Speakman has claimed he is “optimistic” ahead of the window in an interview on Sunderland’s club channels (4 December).
“I think first of all, it’s just around assessing the squad,” Speakman said. “I think we’re coming from a position of strength. I think the group’s in a really, really good place.
“We’ve got loads of preparation going around what the opportunities would be and the what-ifs if you like, and it’s obviously very unique because the season’s ongoing through the window. It’s different to the summer, so we’ll try to be really well prepared, but then you’ve just got to be really diligent in the moment and be able to react and to be able to action things really, really quickly.
“So, we’re going into it in a really good spot and really optimistic about what we can achieve and what we need.”
January is a chance to solidify promotion credentials for Sunderland
It’s hard to be overly pessimistic after what has been an excellent campaign perhaps overshadowed by the recent run of form, but context has to be applied in that regard.
Sunderland have had to deal with the absence of several key players throughout this current winless run and their returns will only boost performances going forward.
Of course, the BlackCats still have the likes of Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi to come in with several still injured.
With that said Sunderland cannot afford to hang their hopes on those returning players and must remain proactive throughout the month of January.
Promotion rivals will be looking to strengthen their side at any given opportunity and the Mackems simply have to do the same or else they will all but certainly drop out of the equation.
A good start to the window will give them a massive headstart and put them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats could be set for a potential six-figure windfall.
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