Sunderland tipped to complete centre-back signing after Alves news confirmed – Phillips
Sunderland will enter the transfer market for a centre-half this month if the right player is available.
That is the view of Stadium of Light legend Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Lee Johnson’s limited options at the back.
On Friday (14 January), Sunderland confirmed Frederik Alves, 22, had returned to West Ham.
The Premier League club recalled their centre-half from his loan spell on Wearside due to a lack of regular game time.
Alves made just 10 appearances across all competitions in the first half the 2021-22 campaign.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if the defender’s exit would pave the way for another arrival, Phillips said:
“It’s a position that needs to be looked at and will be looked at, especially when you factor in the goals they have conceded in the last couple of weeks. It will be a big concern to Lee.
“I don’t think they’ll push the panic button but if the right player is available I think they will do business. It’s a position that needs to be addressed.
“It’s such a shame Luke O’Nien isn’t fit because that is a position he can cover in.
“Another body would give them that cover as well as more competition, which is always a good thing.”
Johnson currently has Tom Flanagan, Bailey Wright, Callum Doyle and Arbenit Xhemajli available as centre-halves.
Jordan Willis and Luke O’Nien are currently sidelined.
In other news, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull City are in a battle to sign a Burnley star.