Transfer deadline day: Potential Sunderland incomings

Sunderland simply can't afford not to strengthen on deadline day, so who might be on their list of targets?

Michael Graham | Aug 31, 2023

Transfer deadline day: Potential Sunderland incomings /

There always seems to be a last-minute panic at Sunderland on deadline day, and this summer's feels even a little more desperate than usual.

With Ross Stewart all but gone, Patrick Roberts potentially following him and a number of existing holes in the squad even before that, additions are a must.

There will be surprises in store no doubt, but what are some of the names Sunderland fans should be keeping an eye on?

Nazarij Rusyn

The incoming deal that looks all but sure to happen for Sunderland on deadline day is Nazarij Rusyn. Sunderland have had a lengthy pursuit for the Ukrainian forward, but he is on Wearside to complete his move to the club.

Rusyn will sign a four-year deal for a fee of around £2.5m and will provide much-needed strength both up front and on the wings.

Adil Aouchiche

Everyone knows that Sunderland love a good restoration project these days, and they think they have found a fun new one with Adil Aouchiche (pronounced Ow-ou-chich-ay).

The 21-year-old Frenchman was once tipped for a big future when part of PSG’s academy, but his star has faded following moves to St Ettienne and Lorient. He has still racked up 80 Ligue 1 appearances, though, so he has talent.

He is expected to sign a five-year deal at Sunderland. It’s a bit of a Isaac Lihadji punt, but hopefully it’ll turn out a bit better.

Edouard Michut

One surprising link was with Edouard Michut, who left Sunderland this summer after a bit of a ‘meh’ loan last season.

It’s fair to say that he thought he could do a little better, but the offers have not exactly rolled in, and L’Equipe claim Sunderland are ‘pushing hard’ to get him back.

It’s a slightly odd one, but with Sunderland switching to a 4-1-4-1 system, Michut could be a nice fit for a deep-lying playmaker role, especially in the kind of possession-based football that he craves. Serious doubts would exist over his defensive capabilities, though.

John Buckley

Another very interesting link is that of John Buckley. The Blackburn midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Ewood Park after injury, but the 23-year-old has both youth and experience, so he could fit Sunderland’s remit.

Sunderland have been credited with an interest as well, and Buckley thrived under Tony Mowbray at Blackburn.

Certainly one to keep an eye on.

Alan Virginius

It’s no secret that Sunderland love the French market, and reports claim that Lille youngster Alan Virginius has caught their eye.

Virginius is a wide player with a lot of pace and potential, but won’t come cheap either.

Lille appear ready to cut him loose, though, and Sunderland might want to try their hand at picking up that potential and trying to polish him into something special.

Tom Cannon

Everton youngster Tom Cannon has been on the wanted list of a plethora of Championship clubs this summer, and Sunderland have been persistently linked with him.

However, with the likes of Leicester, Norwich and Southampton all also keen, all of whom have parachute payment money this season, it’s hard to see Sunderland really competing.

He looks out of reach, but you never know.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Sunderland have made it very clear to Crystal Palace that they would like Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan. The problem is that so have nearly half of the Championship.

Rak-Sakyi had a brilliant loan spell at Charlton last season, and is certainly an eye-catching talent.

Sunderland’s hand could be strengthened should Patrick Roberts depart, as that would allow them to make assurances to Palace about game time that they otherwise couldn’t.