Window Shopping: Going into the window, Sunderland looked like a team headed for the second division, a status that didn’t reflect their talent. Though they lack a superstar at any level of the field, the Black Cats have a decent number of options, depth owned in large part to a slew of summer moves (and the departure of all of Martin O’Neill’s spare parts). Like most bottom half teams, Sunderland can use some upgrades, but their talent is relatively strong compared to other teams battling relegation.
Now, in early February, that talent has started to shine through. Adam Johnson has stepped forward to provide some goal-scoring punch. Fabio Borini has claimed a consistent spot on the left. Phil Bardsley has reasserted himself as the team’s right back, while Jack Colback and Ki Sung-Yeung are fixtures in midfield. The difference between the Sunderland of Di Canio and Poyet’s surging side has been more about selection and execution than talent.
As such, Jan. 31 came without any major needs. Sunderland’s transfer window was less about filling holes than augmenting the Poyet’s new core (while trying to keep all their key parts in-house).
Players In: Marcos Alonso (Fiorentina, loan), Santiago Vergini (Fenix, loan), Oscar Ustari (Almería, loan), Ignacio Scocco (Internacional, $4.3 million), Liam Bridcutt (Brighton & Hove Albion, undislosed)
Players Out: Mikael Mandron (Fleetwood, loan), Cabral (Genoa, loan), Ji Dong-Wong (Augsburg, loan), Liam Marrs (Boston United, loan), Billy Knott (Port Vale, loan), Alfred N’Diaye (Real Betis, loan), Modibo Diakite (Fiorentina, loan), Danny Graham (Middlesbrough, loan)
RECAP: All the deals on deadline day
Grade: A-
Marcos Alonso’s loan from Fiorentina has already made a huge difference. The former Bolton Wanderer has been among Sunderland’s best players in each of his appearances, fitting in perfectly with how Poyet wants to play moving forward.
Long term, the Spaniard may not be the team’s most valuable addition, even if they manage to keep him. That honor could belong to Ignacio , who has been one of South America’s most sought after strikers since he was playing in the Argentine Primera. Sunderland managed to snare him for $4.3 million. Although Jozy Altidore’s play has improved and Steven Fletcher provides another viable option, Scoccio has the talent to be a starter in the Premier League. It’s just a matter of seeing if he adjusts (and if he can adjust this season).
Add in Ustari as a nice depth acquisition, Bridcutt already starting in central midfield, and the Black Cats finding homes for the likes of Cabral, Ji, Diakite and Graham, and it’s hard to image a more successful window. Everybody wants to see a big signings, but given the moves the Black Cats made this summer, that may not have been in the cards.
Instead, Poyet’s brought in three of four key additions while keeping all his core components. That’s a successful window.
