Editorial: Sunderland's bold moves continue to fascinate fans

Yesterday at 01:00 AM

Sunderland's calculated risks in the transfer market, like Le Fee's signing, could define our promotion campaign.

One of the most enjoyable things about being a Sunderland fan right now is trying to second-guess what the regime in charge will do next.

Often, I'll find myself wondering, "What's the plan?"

I mean that in the most respectful way possible, mind — I'm not questioning their ability to make big decisions and get them right, but I'm fascinated by how incredibly detailed each choice seems to be.

The acquisition of Enzo Le Fee, for instance, completely blindsided not just Sunderland supporters but the rest of the footballing world. In truth, I cannot remember the last time we made a signing that elicited such an unbelievable reaction. As a self-confessed ignoramus, I must admit I'd never heard of him before he was linked to us. However, the sheer volume of noise surrounding this signing is impossible to ignore and enough to make me wonder how on earth we managed to pull it off.

So, what's next? What other piece of ridiculous business are we preparing to pull off? Another calculated gamble in the transfer market might just be the difference between Sunderland being the plucky underdog in the race for the top two spots and becoming the team other clubs start envying — and quickly worrying about.

Before the window opened, I was asked what we needed in January, and my answer was short: "Not a lot." There are always areas to improve, but this squad has taken us this far, and I don't think there are glaring weaknesses that need urgent attention.

The signing of Le Fee, however, exemplifies what should be done: while we don't need much, we should add players wherever we can if they're a serious upgrade on what we've already got. We didn't need him, but it's a nice luxury to have.

Since then, things have changed slightly. Aji Alese's injury likely means we'll need to sign a left-back to ensure adequate cover down that side of the pitch between now and May, but otherwise, the point stands. We should only bring in players who are better than what we already have.

Being positively unpredictable is one of the club's greatest current traits.

Take the end of the summer window, for example. We were top of the table and in a strong position to secure players like Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed. Now, we're an attractive proposition for ambitious players who don't want to linger in the Championship too long. Winning on Friday at Burnley — a seemingly impossible task given they're unbeaten at home, having conceded just four goals at Turf Moor — would further strengthen that position.

This is an absolutely huge week in our season. I don't subscribe to the idea of "must-win games" in January, but this match is certainly one where three points would make a massive difference. It could shape our promotion campaign both in terms of our standing in the league and our ability to attract the best players available in this window.

We have momentum. There's a whiff of positivity around the club, and everything seems to be heading in the right direction.

Let's hope the Lads can pull off an amazing victory on Friday night to set the wheels in motion for a proper charge toward the league's top two positions.