Sunderland still need to strengthen three key positions ahead of League One campaign

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Sunderland have made a number of shrewd signings ahead of League One, but still require some recruits in key areas.

Sunderland have made a number of shrewd signings ahead of League One, with 23-year-old Luke O’Nien the most recent arrival.

The Black Cats begin life in the third tier in just under one week and manager Jack Ross will be keen to get off to the best possible start when they play at home to Charlton Athletic.

However, despite an impressive transfer window, the Black Cats still require key signings in three different areas which will give their side the best possible chance of achieving promotion.

Arguably the most important position that requires immediate reinforcement is a striker, with Josh Maja, the injured Duncan Watmore and new signing Jerome Sinclair the Scottish manager’s only forward options.

Sunderland’s current strikers have an average age of 21, highlighting the demand for not only a prolific forward, but also a senior striker.

The Wearsider’s Championship campaign unravelled last term when Lewis Grabban left the club after being recalled Bournemouth and 42-year-old Ross will be keen to bag a talisman who can contribute heavily to Sunderland’s promotion push.

Sunderland should also be looking to acquire another full-back, with suggestions that one of their highest earners, Bryan Oviedo, could leave the club before the window slams shut.

The Black Cats did bring in a full-back this summer, with 24-year-old Reece James joining Ross’s side from Wigan Athletic, but another defender would certainly provide healthy competition.

Although, if the League One side decided to hang on to Oviedo, there may be no need to strengthen in that particular area, with the Costa Rican one of Sunderland’s better players last term.

Sunderland’s final position that requires bolstering is between the sticks, with last season’s Championship flop Robbin Ruiter the Black Cats’ back-up to new signing Jon McLaughlin.

The Dutchman failed to impress last season in the Championship, conceding 32 goals in his 20 starts, and it will be important for 30-year-old McLaughlin to have some healthy competition.

Ross will certainly have some funds still at his disposal, with players rumoured to potentially leave Wearside, including Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji.