05 Aug 2025 10:23:54
Anyone looking at Sunderland with envy. Decisiveness with signings ie in get it done move on.
Back their manager with signings and a new contract.
Meanwhile we seem to dilly dally and get pipped to the post.
Farke getting the sticky end of the stick?

1.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 11:39:50
It maybe looks and seems that way.
But we don't know what's going on behind the scenes and by all accounts, Sunderland appear to be paying slightly inflated wages and we won't.

2.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 13:04:57
Much rather we buy the right person at the right price whenever it happens than overpay foe anyone just to get people in.
Time will tell if our and/ or their method is successful.

3.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 14:55:12
For all their supposed speed in identifying and signing players, Sunderland have currently only signed one more player than we have - and if you consider that Enzo Le Fée’s ‘transfer’ was just making his move from last year permanent, they’ve actually added the same number of new players.

Five of those players are afcon qualified so could be missing for up to six league games (plus one FA Cup match) including the busy Christmas/ New Year period - potentially removing some of their better players for that period and putting additional strain on their remaining squad. Their hierarchy has clearly decided that it’s worth that risk to get those particular players. With the World Cup being in the same year, it’s possible Sunderland may not be required to release those players for afcon, and of course it is also possible that some could develop slight injuries before that tournament so as to avoid a call-up anyway. I guess it all hinges on how motivated the players are to represent their countries - previously Watford gambled on afcon players in 2021/ 22 and prevented at least one going - leading to player unrest etc, which contributed to their relegation that season. There were of course all sorts of other factors at play, and Sunderland would seem to have a far more stable club setup than Watford - but it will be interesting to see how the afcon dynamic plays out there this season.

4.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 15:38:54
Great post Clu, had forgotten how many games players can potentially miss for AFCON but that’s even more significant for the smaller teams, squads.

5.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 17:35:41
Sunderland are also giving their new signings Relegation release clauses in their contracts too. Chelsea are demanding a Guaranteed play time in the contract for Sunderland getting Guiu on loan.

6.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 19:43:29
I suppose in essence, teams could already be down theoretically by January, which is often case

So Mackems will need to accumulate rapidly.

7.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 20:32:54
I agree but there is nothing coming out of ER nothing from Alf noth from LAD it’s gone quiet
If we get no one in we go down end of.

8.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 22:18:14
And if we get the wrong ones in we are down end of, as well.
Oh yes and skint too!
It's going to be tough no matter what so let's hope for the right business to be done.

9.) 05 Aug 2025
05 Aug 2025 22:22:52
I’m not quite envious Wex, well not quite yet anyway.
Sunderland have bought some very shrewd signings.
Young lads with great potential like Sadiki and Diarra but with some great experience in Reinildo and Xhaka.
Adingra looks a proper player too.
I wouldn’t have said no to any of Sunderland’s signings if I’m being honest.
Time for a striker and a midfield genius and another FB to take our transfer window from a 6/ 10 to a TEN.

10.) 06 Aug 2025
06 Aug 2025 08:03:24
I agree with Corley.

11.) 06 Aug 2025
06 Aug 2025 08:44:24
I agree with Morley.

12.) 06 Aug 2025
06 Aug 2025 09:26:00
I agree with Burley.