Sunderland transfers: Three free agents Le Bris could sign if he wins promotion
Sunderland stand on the edge of Premier League football, with just 90 minutes separating them from a triumphant return to the top flight.
Behind the scenes, the vital work of identifying potential summer transfer targets will undoubtedly be in full swing.
Should the Black Cats navigate the Championship play-off final successfully at Wembley this Saturday, a swift and decisive approach to strengthening their squad will be paramount.
With over 50 players set to be released by Premier League clubs, the free agent market presents a potentially cost-effective avenue for Sunderland to inject much-needed quality and experience under Regis Le Bris.
Here, Mackem News looks at three free agents who could be signed by the Wearside club:
Ben Mee
The seasoned centre-back, who set to depart Brentford this summer, embodies the precise kind of Premier League savvy a newly promoted side craves.
His defensive fortitude in aerial duels and crucial blocking, coupled with unwavering concentration, would establish him as a defensive anchor.
While his distribution can be a slight weakness of his game, his veteran leadership and positional sense would be invaluable in guiding a relatively youthful Black Cats squad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The Everton striker brings a significant tally of Premier League experience, boasting 57 goals in 238 appearances in England’s top tier.
His core strengths; formidable aerial prowess, impressive physical strength, and intelligent off-the-ball movement, would make him an ideal focal point for a promoted side looking to hold up play and convert chances, particularly from wide areas.
Crucially, provided he can maintain fitness, the ex-England International offers a proven track record of finding the net at Premier League level.
Given that all three promoted sides from last season notably struggled for goals, Sunderland could proactively learn from their mistakes by adding Calvert-Lewin’s potent goal threat.
Tom Cairney
Fulham’s current captain offers a wealth of Premier League experience, having been instrumental in numerous promotion successes and featuring prominently in top-flight campaigns.
As a central midfielder, Cairney is celebrated for his exquisite passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of a match, evident in his strong passing accuracy and vision.
His style of short, incisive passes and drawing fouls underscores his capacity to retain possession and alleviate pressure.
While his defensive contributions are often cited as a weaker area, his leadership qualities and knack for scoring pivotal goals would be an immeasurable asset for a newly promoted team.
Would They Work?
The advantages of securing one, or even all three, of these players are clear.
Each possesses a demonstrated ability to perform at a high level in the Premier League and would bring a wealth of crucial experience.
With the current Sunderland squad having relatively few players with prior Premier League exposure, this influx of seasoned campaigners could prove absolutely vital in navigating the inherent trials and tribulations of the division.
It is worth noting, however, that the common thread among these three potential signings is their age, which is likely a contributing factor to their availability as free agents.
So while they may not be long-term options, if promotion is secured, they could be key in doing what no promoted team has done in the least two seasons, staying up.