View: Sunderland should reignite interest in summer target as Euro club in financial trouble
Sunderland were linked with a loan move for striker Gift Orban in the summer and the news of Lyon’s provisional relegation could spark a firesale that the Black Cats can exploit.
While the striking department isn’t necessarily Sunderland’s main area of improvement, the Black Cats should be looking to add quality wherever and whenever the chance arises and a January deal for Orban could be a possibility.
Sunderland Nation reported on 30 August that the Black Cats held a deadline day interest in Orban, and there is no reason why the club should not pursue a possible deal in January.
That is on the back of news that Lyon have been handed a provisional suspension from Ligue 1, as relayed by Sky Sports [16 November], owing to financial issues that they must resolve as a priority.
Sunderland could revisit Gift Orban deal
The current form of Wilson Isidor and the early form of Eliezer Mayenda certainly ease any concern about Sunderland needing a striker in January. Especially with Aaron Connolly and Ahmed Abdullahi also recent recruits.
However, Orban would add significant quality to their front line. Lyon’s financial situation could see the French giants forced into some sales in January and with Orban on the fringes of the squad, he is very likely to depart.
Sunderland will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen their squad in the window, albeit likely prioritising other positions first but it is certainly a deal that may be considered.
Still only 22 years old, Orban has bags of potential and has showcased his ability as a competent forward.
Frustratingly, his only goals of the season actually came on the same day he was linked with Sunderland, scoring twice off the bench in Lyon’s win against Strasbourg.
As ever, the Wearsiders will find themselves linked with several players in the coming weeks as attentions slowly turn to what will be a busy January period.
In other Sunderland news, Portsmouth star Kusini Yengi has reflected on his start to life in the Championship while praising the Black Cats in the process.
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