AliousSunderland are enjoying life in unfamiliar territory, currently sitting in the top half of the Premier League table.
The Black Cats have not occupied this end of the division since the 2010/11 campaign, when they finished 11th and boasted key figures such as Jordan Henderson and Darren Bent in their ranks.
After an extraordinary rise from the lower leagues, Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. Now back among the elite, the priority is clear: survival first, then progression. To help achieve that, the club have been linked with several ambitious January signings, including former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been touted as a potential addition at the Stadium of Light.
Fourteen years on from their last sustained top-flight stability, Régis Le Bris is defying expectations. Armed with experienced names like Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey — both Champions League regulars before making bold moves to Wearside — the Frenchman has overseen a transformation few would have predicted.
That said, Sunderland remain mindful of their recent past, having endured spells in the Championship and even League One. As a result, recruitment plans appear to include players who reflect both short-term needs and long-term vision.
Beyond the January window, Sunderland are also being strongly linked with Fulham forward Harry Wilson, whose contract situation at Craven Cottage has become one of the major talking points this transfer period.
According to talkSPORT, Fulham face a tough task convincing the Welsh international to extend his stay in West London, with indications suggesting he is likely to leave when his deal expires. This has alerted a host of Premier League clubs, including Everton, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland, all of whom are monitoring Wilson’s availability.
The Black Cats will back themselves to pull off another bold move, having already shown their ambition by securing Xhaka last summer. Wilson could prove to be a similar success story to Amad Diallo, who thrived during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light.
During his season-long stint away from Manchester United, Amad registered an impressive 14 goals, many of which came via spectacular long-range strikes with his favoured left foot. Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray once described the Ivorian as “unbelievable,” a label that quickly became justified.
While a return for Amad now seems unrealistic following his success at Old Trafford, Sunderland may have the opportunity to land a comparable talent in Wilson. Under Marco Silva, the Fulham attacker has built a reputation for producing moments of magic, and his recent form has been exceptional.
Wilson has scored eight Premier League goals in 25 appearances this season and was recently dubbed “the form player” in the division by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. Adding four assists to his tally, the 26-year-old has consistently demonstrated his desire to influence matches.
A free-transfer move for Wilson would represent a major coup — reminiscent of Amad’s impact on Wearside — and further underline Sunderland’s status as a club worthy of its place in the Premier League. With Jurgen Klopp previously describing Wilson as “incredible,” the potential signing could be another statement of intent from Le Bris’ rapidly rising side.
Should Sunderland once again show the courage to win a fiercely contested transfer battle, Wilson could well become the next crowd favourite at the Stadium of Light.
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