It’s been a quiet summer at Sunderland so far.
The Black Cats have less than a month to go before the transfer window slams shut and have welcomed just one signing in Thomas Meunier.
The experienced right-back enters a dressing room which is looking to complete its first European tour together this season, and his know-how will be invaluable.
On paper, however, the Black Cats could do with further additions – starting with Nathaniel Adjei. The FC Lorient defender has worked with Regis Le Bris in the past and could now earn a reunion this summer.
|
Sunderland’s centre-back options |
Position |
Profile |
Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dan Ballard |
Centre-back |
Physical, aggressive defender |
Strength, aerial ability, tackling, leadership |
|
Omar Alderete |
Centre-back |
Experienced left-footed defender |
Composure, positioning, passing, aerial ability |
|
Nordi Mukiele |
Centre-back / Right-back |
Athletic, versatile defender |
Pace, physicality, recovery defending, versatility |
|
Nathaniel Adjei? |
Centre-back |
Young, developing defender |
Athleticism, strength, defensive potential |
In terms of competition, the Ghana defender would be competing against Daniel Ballard, Noni Mukiele, Luke O’Nien and Omar Alderete. Given that Mukiele mainly operates as a fullback, however, there is certainly room for one more – especially with European football awaiting.
At 23 years old, there’s every chance that Adjei becomes Ballard’s long-term partner if he arrives this summer. The centre-back position arguably lacked depth in the last campaign, so forming a new partnership is something that Sunderland have had to consider.
The last thing Le Bris needs is to be turning towards versatile stars to do a job in some of the biggest games in his tenure, and that’s why a familiar face would be such a solid addition.
Sunderland gifted green light to sign Nathaniel Adjei
According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are one of four clubs in the race to sign Adjei. The defender is now open to leaving Lorient and his agent is ‘assessing’ a move to the Stadium of Light.
In terms of quality, the defender is someone who is likely to get even better with Premier League experience and someone who is already good enough to add some depth to Le Bris’ squad.
|
League stats per 90 25/26 |
Nathaniel Adjei |
Daniel Ballard |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
833 |
2,148 |
|
Tackles |
1.19 |
1.38 |
|
Recoveries |
2.38 |
2.89 |
|
Duel success |
50.8% |
58.9% |
|
Pass success |
91.5% |
82.1% |
The big positive about Adjei is his pass success. The Lorient man maintained a pass rate of 91.5% last season, significantly outperforming Ballard in that area.
If the current Sunderland star uses his best traits out of possession, someone like Adjei could thrive in possession to bring Le Bris’ side out from the back.
That will be crucial when the Black Cats are asked to take the majority of possession against sides like Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City as well as in the Europa League. Against low blocks, a defender who can play between the lines can quickly become invaluable.
With just one year left on his current deal at Lorient, Sunderland could even land Adjei at a bargain price if they get negotiations right. Only time will tell whether they turn their interest into an offer, however.