Sunderland’s summer target could come back to haunt them ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Sunderland were linked with a current Nottingham Forest star in the summer window.
With eight points from their first five games, Sunderland travel to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, looking for their first away win of the season.
Habib Diarra has been ruled out for Sunderland, while Nottingham Forest have several doubts themselves ahead of Saturday’s game.
However, one player who is likely to feature for Forest was linked with a move to the Stadium of Light in the summer.
Dilane Bakwa could have been a Sunderland player
Sunderland signed Bertrand Traore and Chemsdine Talbi in the window, though the former is yet to make an appearance following his deadline day move.
However, prior to his arrival, Sunderland were linked with a move for Dilane Bakwa, who, at the time, was impressing in the French top tier.
Several clubs, including Leeds once again, had shown an interest, but it was Forest who eventually got a deal over the line for the right-winger.
So far, the Frenchman has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football for Forest, but in the odd cameo he has had, he has impressed.
With him likely to start against Sunderland this weekend, Regis Le Bris faces a new test after Reinildo was sent off against Aston Villa.
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Who will play left-back for Sunderland?
Arthur Masuaku joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Besiktas, though his only appearance for the Black Cats arrived in their Carabao Cup defeat to Huddersfield.
He impressed at large in that game, though Le Bris has refrained from giving him many minutes in the Premier League.
Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida can both feature in that area, with Sunderland certainly having options to replace Reinildo.
Given the threat posed by Bakwa, it may prove to be too much of a risk to start Masuaku, given his attacking tendencies.
With Sunderland already expected to lose against Forest, Le Bris simply has to get this decision right.
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