With the January transfer window just around the corner, fans are beginning to put pen to paper with their wishlists. It is a time for supporters to dream big and put on their Football Manager hat before being brought right back down to reality at the end of the window.
And while many of these speculative rumours may never come to fruition, fans are still always eager to engage with each other and debate potential signings. When a Roker Report writer tweeted out their five-player wishlist, it started a conversation amongst fans. He identified five positions where Sunderland needed to recruit, offering a few suggestions for each. Fans, while happy with the names on the list, felt that the writer was being a little bit too ambitious. They don’t think Sunderland could pull off a transfer window as successful as the one he was suggesting.
Totally and utterly unrealistic list there. Marcus Maddison won’t get sold to a league one club unless they pay the full 2.5m, and armand gnanduillet has championship interest from multiple clubs.
— Will Bates (@WillBates97) December 17, 2019
I think maybe 2 or 3 of them are realistic. A winger we should be after is Fred Onyedima from Wycombe. Absolutely rapid and will give us an actual threat going forward.
— Lewis Chapaldi (@WERGHJIGgJ) December 17, 2019
Big problem with all of this!
Can anyone really see any good player dropping down to play for us?
One quick scan down the #SAFC Tweets alone will put paid to that!— DanPatrick (@dpgroves6) December 17, 2019
The recruitment has been poor of late. I fear we will sign players I’ve never heard of.
— Zak (@Zak34552323) December 17, 2019
Do you think the list provided was realistic?
Yes
No
Others felt that what he had proposed wasn’t enough. They think the entire starting-XI needs to be replaced, along with the manager.
What about the other six
Oh and a new manager— Stuart Shaw (@Stuartftm1983) December 17, 2019
I don’t know about names but they need a right back, left midfield, right midfield, central midfield and a forward. They also need to get shot of at least half the squad.
— David collins (@DaveBetamax) December 17, 2019
What do we think?
While this list is merely a compilation of potential targets and not a breakdown of the club’s actual plans, it does provide some insight into what the fans feel they are missing. The conversation itself, however, sheds light on the complete lack of faith the supporters have of their club.