Assuming Broadhead signs for #SAFC today... what else do we need before the window shuts? Right back and goalkeeper? Is there anyone you think should be allowed to leave? Comment below.
— Roker Report (@RokerReport) August 16, 2021
Some interesting thoughts from the Roker Report Twitter followers in the replies on the post above - check them out and add your own!
Phil West says...
The (hopefully) imminent arrival of another exciting young prospect in Nathan Broadhead is undoubtedly another big step towards assembling a squad that can win promotion. The slow-burning transfer business is definitely starting to pay dividends now, and the fact that it has been done in a low-key fashion is very welcome as well. No rampant speculation and no drawn-out transfer sagas, just a professional, focused approach to recruitment.
In terms of further additions, I would say that we are two players short of the exact level that we need to be at. A quality addition at right-back would be a priority, which would free up Carl Winchester as another possible midfield option, and ensure that our defence has no more square pegs in round holes.
Given the ongoing uncertainty about Lee Burge, and the as-yet unproven status of Anthony Patterson (who should certainly be our first-choice cup goalkeeper) I do feel that recruiting another commanding shot-stopper would be beneficial, in terms of giving us the confidence that we are not going to be easily breached this season.
Regarding outgoings, it is time to bid a long-overdue farewell to Will Grigg, and I also feel that Aiden O’Brien is another player who we should be looking to move on, as well. We are clearly overhauling our forward options and injecting the team with pace and dynamism, and neither of those two players would fit the bill this season.
Tom Albrighton says...
Should the not-so-secret secret deal for Broadhead go through today, Sunderland's main focus absolutely has to be around the right-back area. Signing a right-back is imperative for a number of reasons, perpetuated by the fact we won’t be seeing O’Nien there any time soon.
Whilst Winchester has made a more than capable stand-in, we cannot persist for a second season without an out-and-out right back. Not only would a right-back provide a specialist player for a specialist role, but it also allows Winchester to refocus his efforts in midfield, adding to our depth and versatility in that area.
Broadheads signing will also likely allow for more flexibility on the wings, meaning if necessary, Gooch - who has played right wing back on several occasions, can fill in if needed without detriment to our attacking intent.
As for who we should sign, well, that’s the million-dollar question.
Dave Holloway says...
The only area in which we remain short in numbers is at full-back. So in terms of what we need, then, a specialist right-back is a must, but we also need someone capable of covering both sides - thus removing the need for Winchester or Dan Neil to cover injuries.
We must guard against adding too many bodies, though. A bloated squad is dangerous as it stifles the development and opportunity for young players, and it breeds discontentment for those not getting an opportunity.
Having too many players also increases the temptation to tinker. We need consistency of playing style and personnel.
Which players can leave? Will Grigg is the obvious one. A new home must be found for him so that we can finally move on from that sorry saga.
Depending upon the timescales of Arby’s return and his overall condition then you could argue that Bailey Wright will become indispensable. Removing those ageing and expensive players will make the squad leaner and capable of further development in January for what will hopefully be a push to promotion in the new year.
Michael Dunne says...
A right-back should be the next priority on Lee Johnson’s list. Too often last season we were reliant on Luke O’Nien to step in there - so it’s essential that we can get someone who is a specialist in this position.
Whilst Oliver Younger started there last season a couple of times, I see him as the understudy to whoever we hopefully eventually sign.
With the way Sunderland are conducting their business in the market, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us get in another youngster from a club higher up in the leagues.
I am not certain as to where Broadhead will play. but I would like us to still have another option up top. Stewart has had an excellent start to the season but it would be good to have another option to compliment him. This will probably depend on who we can get out the door. After Lee Johnson’s comments the other day, you would assume that is Will Grigg.
Hopefully, his torrid spell can finally come to an end.
Will Jones says...
I would say the obvious right-back is top of the target list. We do not have an obvious option there, and whilst we have shoehorned players in to an extent, it will then allow us to have another centre midfield option.
We need left-back cover as well, which we can all presume is Hume. I’m happy for us to wait on him because whether he signs now or after the window is done, he is still months from being fit so is neither use nor ornament. But if he looks like he wants out we will need a backup, probably a loan just to give us cover.
We also need another keeper - I don’t think there are many newly promoted teams in the Championship who sign a first-team keeper, they usually go with the same option as in the promotion campaign. However, if we go up with this exact squad, another will need to be bought. Now is the time to get one who provides the defence with confidence and stability. Not one who you see as a liability.
Following these, I believe it will be one in one out from here and through January providing we don’t have mass injuries.
Will Grigg to depart seems more likely the less he plays, and with him leaving, I would say we will need another striker.