Sunderland seems to be preparing for a busy and possibly frantic conclusion to the January transfer window, with several player names being linked to the club. Historically, the club’s Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman, has been an active figure in the transfer market, particularly on deadline day. Last summer, he successfully secured four new faces for the Black Cats. Given the current situation, it’s highly possible that Sunderland could see another wave of activity come the end of this winter window, especially if no deals are finalized before then.

As of now, Sunderland have made some progress with their targets, but it appears that several of the deals are still in the negotiation or waiting stages. One such deal that seems imminent is for Croatian striker Matija Frigan. Reports indicate that Sunderland have agreed on a deal for Frigan, which could make him their second January signing following the arrival of Enzo Le Fee, who could prove to be a key player in midfield. If Frigan joins, he will be adding much-needed firepower to Sunderland’s attack, particularly after the departure of Aaron Connolly, who left for Millwall earlier in the window.

However, the question remains whether Sunderland’s search for additional attacking options will extend beyond Frigan. Currently, Wilson Isidor is the only genuine number nine in the squad, leaving them short of options up front. If no further signings come through before the end of the window, they may have to rely on Isidor as the main striker for the remainder of the season. The lack of depth in this area is worrying, particularly if injuries or suspensions come into play. Sunderland’s management seems intent on strengthening this key position, which is why a growing list of striker targets has emerged.

One notable name on Sunderland’s radar is Preston North End forward Emil Riis. The 26-year-old Danish striker has been impressive in the Championship this season, with seven goals and two assists in 27 games, adding to his tally of 36 goals in 154 career appearances for Preston. While Sunderland are reportedly ‘definitely’ looking at Riis, it is unclear how serious they are in pursuing him during this transfer window. With his contract at Deepdale expiring in the summer of 2025, Riis is in a position of power, as Preston may have to make a decision soon regarding his future.

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom, who was once linked with a move to Sunderland before becoming Sheffield United’s head coach, has made a few comments on Riis’s situation. While Heckingbottom has been tight-lipped about whether Riis will sign a new contract, he has made it clear that the striker seems happy at Preston. Heckingbottom was quoted saying, “Players are well within their rights to let their contracts run down. There is nothing you can do about that. But I know Emil is enjoying his football – you can see that.” This suggests that Riis is settled at Preston for the time being, which could lead Sunderland to focus their efforts on a summer move for him, rather than trying to strike a deal this month. Given Riis’s contract situation and Sunderland’s current focus on Frigan, it may make more sense for them to pursue Riis when he becomes available as a free agent or for a lower transfer fee in the summer, rather than putting more money into a deal this winter.

If Sunderland do end up signing Frigan this month, the club will need to balance their finances carefully. Reports suggest that Frigan’s transfer fee could be significant, making it less likely that the club will move for Riis at the same time. Sunderland’s owners, however, appear motivated to make the most of the final weeks of the transfer window, possibly with an eye on the future and ensuring they are in the best position to challenge for promotion or remain competitive in the Championship.

Adding Frigan to their ranks could bolster Sunderland’s attacking depth, but their potential pursuit of Riis down the line shows that they are not resting on their laurels. With a lack of quality competition up front at present, another proven striker like Riis could give Sunderland the firepower needed for a push towards the top of the Championship standings. However, should Frigan settle in well and hit the ground running, Sunderland may feel that they don’t need to sign another striker in the immediate future.

Overall, Sunderland’s transfer activity over the final weeks of January will be critical to their success this season. The additions of Frigan and possibly Riis in the summer could significantly strengthen their squad and add depth to key areas, especially the forward line, where they are currently somewhat light. However, whether the club will be able to secure all of these targets and at what cost remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Sunderland are determined to make a statement in this transfer window and are actively pursuing options to ensure their squad is competitive for the remainder of the season and beyond. If they can navigate the complexities of these deals and add the right players, Sunderland could be in a strong position as they look ahead to the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign.