Our punters at the Transfer Tavern are wondering if this year will be the year that Sunderland finally find themselves relegated from the Premier League.
It seems to be the same story every year with the Black Cats, endure a terrible start, change their manager, beat Newcastle, turn up for the last ten games of the season and stay up. This year looks no different, with Sam Allardyce the man left with the task of keeping the Black Cats in the division.
However, with so many managers taking the hotseat in recent years, several players have walked through the Stadium of Light Door and have ultimately failed. Big Sam will certainly be no different, and will want to bring in his own players in order to implement his own solid style that will keep them up. Big Sam is renowned for keeping teams in the division, and only suffered relegation with Notts County at the start of his career.
Here are five signings that Allardyce could bring in, in order to turn the Black Cats’ fortunes round.
Click Big Sam below to see FIVE signings Sunderland should make to avoid relegation!
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James Collins
With Allardyce priding himself on his defense, he won’t exactly be impressed by what he has seen so far, a January move for his former player Collins could provide a short term solution.
Collins, who looks likely to be below Angelo Ogbonna, James Tomkins and Winston Reid in the pecking order at West Ham, could find greater opportunities at Sunderland, whether it was on loan or on a permanent basis.
Paddy McNair (loan)
A move that could suit both parties, in his few appearances for Manchester United, McNair has looked calm in possession and fairly mature in his defensive duties given his age.
The Northern Ireland international could join the Black Cats on loan, where he could help to shore up the defence, as well as gain some vital experience that will only please United manager, Louis Van Gaal.
Kevin Nolan
Who else? Nolan is a trusted player of Allardyce, having played under him at West Ham, Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United.
The last name may cause some Sunderland fan’s issues, but make no mistake about it, Nolan will be as up for the fight in keeping Sunderland in the division.
Morgan Amalfitano
Another former player of Allardyce and another who is currently a free agent after having his West Ham contract terminated by Slaven Bilic.
At the age of 30, and having played for both the Hammers and West Bromwich Albion, Amalfitano is not shy of Premier League experience and could again be a shrewd signing in keeping Sunderland up.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (loan)
Another move that again would not only benefit Sunderland but also his current club Chelsea. In a defensive midfield role, Loftus-Cheek has looked very mature for his age in the few games he’s played, and is unlikely to get many opportunities at this current time.
With far more ability than Lee Cattermole, Loftus-Cheek could also add a much more creative dimension to the Sunderland midfield alongside Yann M’Villa.
