Sunderland can address major concern after Nayef Aguerd update
Sunderland have made a fast start to the transfer window as they gear up for a tough 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The Mackems have done extensive work on their midfield, with the latest signing of Granit Xhaka in particular catching supporters’ eyes.
However, there remain concerns over how Regis Le Bris’ defence will cope next season and whether the Black Cats need someone new to help with their potential worries.
Sunderland can address concerns by signing Nayef Aguerd
Sunderland look to be back in the race for Moroccan centre back Nayef Aguerd as they continue to try and bolster their defence.
The Mackems had been linked with the West Ham defender earlier in the transfer window, but chose to add to other areas of the pitch instead.
Now Le Bris’ side look to be back in the race for Aguerd according to French outlet Le Phoceen (2 August).
Meanwhile, French side Marseille are also in the running for the defender. If the Black Cats do manage to finalise a deal for Aguerd, they would be solving two issues in one.
- West Ham are reluctant to let Aguerd leave this summer, though they would for the right fee
- The centre back arrived from Rennes in 2022 but spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad
Though Le Bris’ side have been ruthless this summer and have spent the ninth most amount of money in Europe, concerns still remain about their defence.
The Mackems have only signed left-back Reinildo at the back this summer, and will need to add more depth, having lost Chris Mepham after he returned to Bournemouth.
Despite Sunderland’s impressive recruitment, many of their new faces lack Premier League experience.
Their transfer strategy seems to be changing in recent weeks, with Simon Adingra and Xhaka adding the experience needed.
Aguerd would add even more top-flight experience to a young defence that will need to adapt when playing against some of the better sides in the division.
Sunderland still need more defenders after Aguerd
Sunderland still need to add to their defence further, whether Aguerd signs or not.
O’Nien was injury-prone last season and could only work as a backup next season.
Aguerd’s top-flight experience is still limited, and he could still do with another defender with plenty of Premier League experience alongside him.
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