5 cut-price transfers Sunderland AFC could explore in January ft Max Bird

The first transfer window that Sunderland will have under Mick Beale’s management begins in January.

Last Monday, the former manager of QPR and Rangers was named Sunderland’s next head coach, taking over for the fired Tony Mowbray.

After leading the Rs the previous season, this is Beale’s second Championship managerial position in his brief career.

Similar to how they were during the summer transfer window, the Black Cats are anticipated to be busy throughout the forthcoming window as the Sunderland board looks to bolster their roster once more.

Sunderland made several changes during the summer, but there are one or two areas of the team that still need improving.

So, with that said, we have looked at five cut-priced transfers Sunderland could look at in January…

Nathan Wood

In January, Sunderland should have strengthened their defense, particularly at the center of defense.

Due to injuries in that part of the field, the team has had to rely on other players to step in.

Thus, they ought to consider someone like Wood, who in the past year or two has shown himself to be a potential young player.

Southampton showed a lot of interest in Wood during the summer, which should indicate to Sunderland just how talented he is. Given that the defender’s contract is about to expire and he meets their age requirements and development standards, the club may be able to acquire him for a reasonable price, making him an excellent long-term investment.

Max Bird

Bird appears to be a guy that teams are hoping to sign in January; teams like Birmingham City and Hull City have expressed interest in signing him.

Since his contract expires at the conclusion of this season, the 23-year-old has been a rising star for some time, and it is likely that he will make a move.

There’s no reason Sunderland shouldn’t be interested in the midfielder if these Championship teams are, since he might be a true improvement over their present lineup.

While some of their other options have underperformed, the Black Cats have a few injury concerns in the midfield. Bird would therefore be a highly exciting addition since he would provide grit, creativity, and a goal threat. Additionally, he would be Dan Neil’s ideal teammate.

Bird is in line with Sunderland’s philosophy of investing in young players, so getting his signature before others would be a clear declaration of intent.

Callum O’Hare

Another player that Sunderland might look at in the event of a low-cost trade is O’Hare.

Ever since he emerged from the Aston Villa system, the 25-year-old has been held in high regard within the industry. The offensive midfielder has, however, suffered from ailments in recent seasons, missing two extended periods of time due to injury.

It might be said that Sunderland and Beale are clamoring for him now that he is fully fit and has demonstrated his abilities in this league.

The midfielder can bring that added creativity to the team and help supply the club’s strikers, who have been struggling in front of goal.

The Black Cats do have Bradley Dack for that role, but he hasn’t hit the heights the club would have hoped for and will likely leave the club very soon.

Tyrese Campbell

Sunderland has had difficulty finding a replacement for Amad Diallo’s goals and assists since he returned to Manchester United.

They might attempt to alter this by bringing Tyresse Campbell into their lineup, but as a result, they have grown overly dependent on fellow winger Jack Clarke.

Despite his injury worries, the forward has been a standout performer for Stoke City in recent seasons and appears to be a bright talent going forward.

Even though he is 23, he still fits the club’s vision for younger players. He also has a good eye for goal and creates opportunities for his teammates, which is something Beale would want in his lineup. He is also seen wearing a Stoke shirt.

Because Campbell can play anywhere throughout the forward line, the Wearsiders may find great value in his versatility.

Aaron Connolly

In his brief career, Connolly has played for a number of teams, but with Hull, he appears to have rediscover his scoring touch.

The 23-year-old only signed a one-year contract with the Tigers in the summer, so it’s possible he’ll be cheap to sign in January.

Sunderland needs a new striker in January, and since they may want to avoid becoming the finished product, they ought to consider Connolly, who has shown promise this year and understands what the Championship is all about.

Once more, he appears to be a player who the team likes and wants. Considering how well he is performing, Sunderland would be foolish to turn him down and risk hurting a play-off opponent in the process.