Sunderland’s early-season momentum has hit a significant roadblock, with the Black Cats securing just one victory in their last six Premier League outings. A humbling 3-1 defeat at West Ham highlighted their current defensive vulnerabilities, as Trai Hume and the backline were overwhelmed by a three-goal first-half blitz.
While manager Régis Le Bris has called for composure, the club is grappling with the absence of midfield anchor Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old, a £13 million summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, is sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving a massive void in a team he has practically transformed.
The Xhaka Impact: By the Numbers
Jamie Carragher previously labeled Xhaka the “signing of the season,” and his statistics back up the praise. Before his injury, the Swiss veteran provided:
- Attacking Output: 1 goal and 5 assists.
- Defensive Grit: Averaging high engagement in “gruelling” matches, including winning 7 duels and tackles during the crucial Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle.
- Veteran Leadership: His absence was felt in the West Ham loss, where replacement efforts faltered; Trai Hume, for instance, managed only 1 successful duel during the match.
A Potential Record-Breaking Coup: Brahim Díaz
While the loss of Xhaka is a blow, reports from Spain suggest Sunderland is eyeing a transfer that would dwarf any previous deal in the club’s history. The Black Cats are reportedly targeting Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, a move that would signal their intent to become a permanent Premier League power.
Key details of the potential Díaz deal:
- Transfer Fee: Madrid values Díaz at £52 million, which would shatter Sunderland’s current transfer record of £27 million (held by Habib Diarra).
- Elite Pedigree: Díaz has 77 career goal contributions for Real Madrid and AC Milan, including 10 goals/assists in the Champions League.
- International Form: The 26-year-old is coming off a sensational AFCON tournament with Morocco, where he finished as the top scorer with 5 goals in 7 matches.
Summary of Sunderland’s Transfer Ambition
| Player | Age | Transfer Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granit Xhaka | 33 | £13m | Current Star (Injured) |
| Habib Diarra | 22 | £27m | Current Record Signing |
| Brahim Díaz | 26 | £52m (est.) | Potential |
If Sunderland can successfully lure Díaz away from Madrid, it would represent a historic shift for the club, moving them from “scrappy newcomers” to a team capable of attracting world-class talent in their physical prime.
| Diaz’s career record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Competition | Games | Goals + Assists |
| Serie A | 91 | 13 + 14 |
| La Liga | 90 | 13 + 13 |
| Champions League | 45 | 7 + 3 |
