Sunderland’s January transfer window didn’t quite go as planned, and deadline day proved to be a particularly frustrating one for the club. In previous years, Sunderland had been productive in the final hours of the window, often securing key additions to strengthen their squad. However, this time around, things didn’t go as smoothly.

The Black Cats did manage to bring in Jayden Danns on loan from Liverpool, making him their third signing of the winter window. However, two of their three additions are already injured, which has made things even more difficult for Tony Mowbray’s side. Danns has been sidelined with a back injury, and there is currently no clear timeline for his return. Meanwhile, Enzo Le Fée, another January signing, has suffered a hamstring injury, which is a huge blow for Sunderland. That leaves Wilson Isidor as the only new arrival who remains fit and available for selection, at least for the time being.

These injuries not only weaken Sunderland’s squad depth but also mean that two of their winter reinforcements may not have much of an impact before returning to their parent clubs in the summer. This puts even more pressure on Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s Sporting Director, who will have a big job on his hands in the summer transfer window. If Sunderland fail to win promotion, they could face an even bigger challenge, as several of their key players might be picked up by Premier League or high-level Championship clubs.

One area that will likely require particular attention is the wings. With Le Fée set to return to Rennes at the end of his loan spell and Brighton reportedly interested in signing Tommy Watson, Sunderland could find themselves short on attacking options. Additionally, Patrick Roberts has had a difficult season and hasn’t been as influential as expected, making the need for fresh talent even greater. This is where Marcus Edwards enters the conversation once again.

Sunderland had been linked with an ambitious move for the former Tottenham Hotspur winger during the January window. At the time, Edwards was playing for Sporting CP in Portugal but was reportedly open to a move back to England. In the final days of the window, Sunderland were in the running to sign him on loan, alongside Leeds United and Burnley. Ultimately, Burnley won the race, agreeing to pay an £800,000 loan fee for Edwards, with a £10 million obligation to buy if they achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Since joining Burnley, Edwards has already shown his quality, scoring two goals in four appearances. His performances have reaffirmed the belief that he is a high-level Championship player, and it appears that Sunderland are still interested in him. Reports suggest that they are keeping a close eye on the winger with a view to making a move in the summer. However, with Burnley holding an obligation to buy if they secure promotion, Sunderland may have already missed their chance to sign him.

If Sunderland fail to win promotion and Burnley go up, the Black Cats may look back at this as a missed opportunity. At the moment, Sunderland sit fourth in the Championship table, six points behind third-placed Burnley. Meanwhile, Burnley are only two points behind Sheffield United, who occupy the second automatic promotion spot.

This means that if Burnley can overtake Sheffield United and secure automatic promotion, Edwards will likely be out of Sunderland’s reach. However, if Burnley finish in the play-off positions, Sunderland could still have a chance to sign him—provided they are able to compete financially and offer a convincing project.

With so much at stake, the remainder of the season is crucial for Sunderland. If they can push for automatic promotion or at least secure a strong play-off position, they will be in a much better place to attract top talent like Edwards in the summer. But if they fall short and remain in the Championship for another season, they could face a difficult summer, with key players potentially leaving and top targets slipping away.

Either way, Kristjaan Speakman will have a big job ahead of him when the window reopens, and Sunderland’s ability to strengthen their squad effectively will play a key role in shaping their future ambitions.