Nafisa
“Mixed Signals and Urgent Lessons: Sunderland’s Pre-Season Reveals Promise, Problems and Recruitment Priorities Before West Ham Opener”
Sunderland’s pre-season campaign has offered flashes of promise alongside some glaring reminders of the work that still lies ahead. From encouraging individual displays to some solid team showings, there’s enough for Régis Le Bris to be optimistic about but just as much to address before the Premier League opener against West Ham.
The recent trip to Tynecastle for Craig Gordon’s testimonial served multiple purposes: a tribute to a legendary goalkeeper, a fitness and tactical exercise, and a reality check. Facing a match-ready Hearts side, Sunderland slumped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat a stark contrast to the more productive displays during their Portugal tour. While the result was far from ideal, the experience was valuable, especially as a reminder that the standards required in the top flight are still a step away.
So far, the pre-season has truly been a “mixed bag.” Wins over Gateshead and South Shields were routine, the performance against Sevilla deserved more than a draw, and a narrow 1-0 defeat to a strong Sporting Lisbon side was respectable. Taking the full campaign into account, Sunderland may be slightly ahead of schedule but the weaknesses are impossible to ignore.
There’s a clear need for reinforcements, especially at centre-back. Jenson Seelt has shown great potential after returning from injury, but asking him to take on a full Premier League campaign beside Dan Ballard would be a big gamble. More experience is needed in central defence, and the same logic applies at right-back, where Trai Hume lacks a proven understudy. Niall Huggins’ return is a boost, but a loan move might better serve his long-term development.
In midfield and attack, there are both positives and question marks. Enzo Le Fée has largely impressed, and Habib Diarra’s high-energy style has stood out. Simon Adingra has brought flair and pace, and while Chemsdine Talbi is still adjusting, he shows promise. The main concern is in front of goal Wilson Isidor looks short of rhythm, and Eliezer Mayenda hasn’t yet hit full stride.
Off the pitch, there’s also uncertainty. Pierre Ekwah’s protracted move to St Etienne remains unresolved, and the futures of several fringe players including Timothée Pembélé, Nazariy Rusyn, Abdoullah Ba, Hemir, Nectar Triantis, Ian Poveda, and Milan Aleksić need to be sorted. Few, if any, are likely to feature heavily in the Premier League, and loan or permanent exits are expected soon.
Ultimately, while there’s no need for panic, there’s also no room for complacency. Sunderland’s promotion has raised expectations, but survival remains the first priority. Talk of European places is tongue-in-cheek; the true aim is to solidify their place in the top division.
With just a few weeks until West Ham visit the Stadium of Light, there’s a clear sense that the recruitment drive must now accelerate. Ideally, 80% of the squad will be locked in by then a tough ask, but not impossible. What’s clear is that the club’s leadership understands the stakes, and all eyes will be on how they respond in the final fortnight of pre-season.
Nafisa
