Sunderland have one real worry as poor pre-season results continue
Sunderland continue to surprise many with their summer transfer activity, but things are not going quite to plan on the field so far.
It will be the Mackems’ first Premier League campaign in eight years, and they appear to be gearing up well, with Granit Xhaka the latest to team up with Regis Le Bris’ side.
The Black Cats are currently the ninth biggest spenders in Europe and look to continue their recruitment in the coming weeks.
On the pitch, though, things aren’t going as smoothly as supporters would have liked, with concerns being raised following their poor friendly results.
Sunderland’s misfiring attack a real worry
Sunderland’s addition of Marc Guiu is a step in the right direction for Le Bris.
Their forward line has been in need of reinforcements, with Wilson Isidor previously the only out-and-out number nine at the club.
Adingra has also come through the door at the Stadium of Light and has shown positive signs without blowing supporters away.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Real Betis was the Mackems’ fourth preseason defeat, and their third without scoring.
They have only managed to score more than one goal against non-league side South Shields so far this summer, and Le Bris is clearly unsatisfied with his attack.
It’s important to be wary that pre-season comes with the caveat of not being competitive, but these are not good signs for the coming season.
So far, the Black Cats have only recruited two players who have had extensive Premier League experience, and players signed from abroad will take some time to bed in on Wearside.
The English top flight is famously impatient, and should Le Bris side fail to sort themselves out soon, they could find themselves chasing after the opening few fixtures.
Sunderland have time to get things right
The Mackems are fortunate that they still have time on their side.
- Sunderland have won one, drawn one, and lost one in their last three opening day fixtures
- The Mackems lost three and drew two of their last five opening Premier League fixtures
In the two weeks between now and when they kick off their 2025/26 campaign at home to West Ham, they have two friendlies against Augsburg and Rayo Vallecano, where Le Bris can try to find his ideal squad.
Two weeks should also be enough to add to their attack and take the weight off Isidor and Guiu.
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