Chris Rigg leaves: Sunderland AFC’s best and worst case transfer scenarios in January

The 2024/25 season has started in spectacular fashion for Sunderland, and perhaps not even the most optimistic of supporters would have expected to see them top the table at this stage of the campaign.

Regis Le Bris’ side have been outstanding and look the team to beat this season, but the Frenchman won’t be getting carried away just yet, with plenty of football yet to be played.

Of course, there’s still the small matter of the January transfer window to come, and that could arguably make or break Sunderland’s promotion challenge, so there’s no doubt that the club’s hierarchy will be preparing for all circumstances when the window opens.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at Sunderland’s best and worst transfer scenarios.

Sunderland’s best case scenarios in the January transfer window

Sunderland only have one recognised right-back in their squad, which comes in the form of Trai Hume, and it’s a position they should look to strengthen come January.

Hume has done a good job this season and has been a mainstay in Le Bris’ starting XI, but should anything happen to the 22-year-old, they would be short of bodies there, and it could cost them over the course of a 46-game season.

20-year-old centre-back Zak Johnson started at right-back when Sunderland travelled to Preston in the EFL Cup back in August, perhaps showing their lack of options there, and cover for Hume, whether that be on loan or on a permanent basis, will be important in January.

January will mark 18 months since Naz Rusyn joined Sunderland from Zorhya Luhansk, and it’s fair to say things haven’t gone as planned for the striker.

He’s struggled for goals, and despite being the club’s top scoring striker with two goals last season, he’s fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Wilson Isidor in the summer.