This piece is from Football League World’s “Terrace Talk” series, which features our FLW Fan Pundits’ personal thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible additions, and more.
Due to their impressive start to the season, Sunderland is in the running to be promoted to the Premier League.
Since taking over as head coach in the summer, Régis Le Bris has received high appreciation for his efforts at the Stadium of Light.
Few had predicted that the Black Cats would immediately recover and contend for a top two berth after their poor 16th place finish in the previous campaign.
The club will undoubtedly be watching for possible additions that could strengthen their top flight prospects as the January transfer window approaches.
The correct new addition might have a major impact on their ability to stay pace with the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds United and Burnley.
Sunderland urged to make Stoke City signing
Jack Austwicke, a Sunderland fan commentator for FLW, pointed out the need for more depth at full-back when asked which position the squad should bolster in January.
He thinks that in order to provide the regular players additional insurance, Stoke City should purchase defender Junior Tchamadeu.
“I believe the full-back position would be the obvious choice,” Austwicke stated to Football League World.
“I believe the solution is to get additional depth, not necessarily to strengthen, as we have two excellent starts.
Since we don’t currently have that problem, I don’t believe any of the starting XI will need to be replaced.
In the midst of Man Utd transfer rumours, Sunderland AFC’s Chris Rigg delivered a clear warning.
Chris Rigg’s impressive Sunderland performances have made him a January transfer target for several clubs.
However, we require depth, especially at full-back.
We don’t have much depth there if players like Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Trai Hume are hurt.
We might be playing X at right-back once more this week; it would be an odd setup, but that’s where we need that cover.
Perhaps a right-back, although I’m not sure.
Although he is a young player, I believe Junior Tchamadeu of Stoke could be a decent choice because he has started many of their games this season and I’ve heard excellent things about him.
“I believe he played at Colchester prior to that, and he’s a good player who is highly regarded, so someone like that would be a good backup option, not necessarily a starter.”
| Junior Tchamadeu – Stoke City league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) |
| Season |
Appearances (Starts) |
Goals (Assists) |
| 2023-24 |
15 (9) |
0 |
| 2024-25 |
14 (11) |
0 |
| As of November 20th |
Before the league resumes play this weekend, Sunderland leads the Championship table.
With 31 points out of a possible 45, Le Bris’ team is tied for second place with Sheffield United.
With three draws in Sunderland’s last three games, Leeds are only two points back in second place, giving opponents a chance to close the gap.
The Wearside team’s next match is against Millwall on November 23 with a 3 p.m. kickoff.
Added defensive cover would be smart business for Sunderland
After a challenging first season at the club last year, Tchamadeu has made 14 appearances so far this season, including 11 starts, and has earned his way into becoming a regular member of the first team squad. Sunderland has been hurt by injuries so far this season, so adding someone to provide cover would be a good use of their resources in January. However, it is unclear if Stoke would be open to a potential sale given his importance to Narcís Pelach’s team.
