Regis Le Bris could sign his own John Terry after what Jamie Carragher said about Sunderland target
Sunderland have been hunting for centre-backs all summer long and could yet add another one before the transfer deadline.
Omar Alderete arrived at the Stadium of Light and made his full debut against Burnley, having appeared as a substitute in the Premier League opener against West Ham.
Regis Le Bris also has Nordi Mukiele as an option for the hub of his defence, although he has predominantly played as a right-back.
Now, Le Bris could sign a centre-back from a Premier League club who is rated highly by many well-known figures.
Sunderland target Chelsea defender Axel Disasi
Sunderland are preparing a formal bid for Axel Disasi, who is cutting a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge.
The centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan with Aston Villa, and is likely to move again before the window closes.
- Disasi made 10 appearances across all competitions for Villa
- Made 31 Premier League appearances in his debut season for Chelsea
- Capped five times by France
Bournemouth are also interested in the Frenchman, but are only willing to make a loan offer with an option to buy.
Given that Sunderland already have Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea, the Black Cats have a good chance of landing another player, and his addition would be much-needed.
Dan Ballard’s injury against Burnley has emphasised the need for more depth, with Luke O’Nien and Aji Alese already out for Le Bris.
Read more: Sunderland to pay premium for Jhon Lucumi as Dan Ballard concern emerges vs Burnley
Why Jamie Carragher compared Axel Disasi to Jamie Carragher
During his first season in the Premier League, Disasi was a first-team regular for Chelsea, making 44 appearances in all competitions.
The Blues faced Man City in the second half of the campaign, and the defender put in an exceptional display in a 1-1 draw.
“I can’t remember a better defensive performance this season, certainly from a central defender,” said an effusive Carragher on Sky Sports afterwards in February 2024.
“‘Coming away to Manchester City, playing against the best striker in the world.
“He was brilliant. He was the man of the match. I don’t think I said it on air, but he was the best player on the pitch.
“We’ve moved on a little from my time when that was the type of performance you’d see from centre-backs 15 or 20 years ago. Now we see them building from the back and getting on the ball, so that was almost a bit of a throwback really,” said Carragher.
“It was backs against the wall, throwing yourself in front of things, every time the ball comes in, you’re like a magnet. Talking about Chelsea, that was a John Terry performance, and I can’t give any higher praise than that.”
It has been some time since Carragher’s statement, and given his career trajectory, things have not exactly worked out at Chelsea.
As well as moments akin to Terry, there have also been moments to forget, like his comical own goal against Leicester City a month later.
However, there is clearly a player in there, and he would certainly be called upon if he arrived at the Stadium of Light.
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