Sunderland ‘dragged back down to earth after beating Newcastle’ in ‘huge’ blow
Sunderland have been dragged back down to earth after their stunning start to the season as the reality of losing players to the Africa Cup of Nations hits.
That is according to former Sunderland and Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Regis Le Bris may struggle to cope with losing star players.
Sunderland beat Newcastle 1-0 in the Wear-Tyne Derby last time out, firing them up as high as eighth place in the Premier League table.
However, they will lose six players to AFCON, with key players including the likes of Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and Shemsdine Talbi all set to depart this month.
While all Premier League sides will suffer from losing key players, Sunderland will be the most impacted by AFCON, and their results could be impacted as a result.
Sunderland to be dealt huge AFCON blow
Brown told Football Insider on 29 November that AFCON is causing “massive” concerns for Man United and there are fears about the impact of losing players.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period, insisted that Sunderland could now be set to struggle as a result of their departures.
“Every club in the world would struggle with losing six players,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s always six of your best players as well, not some from the fringes, it’s some of the most important players who they will be missing.
“That will drag them back down to earth, I can tell you, it’s a huge blow.
“They’re flying high this season, especially after the big win against Newcastle, but losing so many players is a hell of a cross for them to bear.
“Sunderland obviously aren’t the only club who will be impacted, we spoke before about Man United losing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
“It’s something every club is having to deal with, but it looks like it’s going to affect Sunderland especially, and the manager will have to find a way to deal with it and ride it out.”
Noah Sadiki at the centre of Black Cats’ concerns
Alongside their concerns about losing players to AFCON, Sunderland’s impressive start to life in the Premier League has also attracted interest in key players.
Sadiki is one who falls into both categories, as he will join the DR Congo for AFCON, while the likes of Man United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 December that Sunderland will block offers for Sadiki and have no intention of losing their star man.
The 20-year-old has made an impressive start in the Premier League after his arrival in the summer, and the Black Cats are not willing to entertain a sale in January.
Chelsea and Manchester United both want to sign Sadiki in January, with the Blues having even made contact in recent months, but he will not be allowed to leave.
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