Former Marseille and Ligue 1 defender Gael Andonian remains on trial at League One giants Sunderland, but will he earn a contract at the Stadium of Light?
It has been almost a week since Gael Andonian featured for Sunderland’s U23s in a Premier League 2 clash against West Bromwich Albion.
“He’s got a decent pedigree and is a free agent,” manager Jack Ross told the Sunderland Echo, while admitting that he had identified Andonian as a potential back-up option at centre-back.
So far, however, it seems that no decision has been made about the 23-year-old, who is a free agent after being released by Marseille in the summer.
But perhaps the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town on Saturday should help make a decision a little more straightforward.
Paddy Madden netted a ninth-minute opener for the Cod Army at the Stadium of Light, meaning five of the six League One goals Sunderland have conceded this season have been from set-pieces. This is arguably the biggest problem facing Ross right now and one Andonian could potentially solve.
As the Albanian international showed against West Brom, he is not afraid to throw his body on the line. He is far from a giant at 6ft, but is blessed with strength in the air and a commanding, old-school approach to defending that should make Sunderland far better in their own penalty area.
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