Sunderland need new signings this summer – who could they target from La Liga?
Kiko Femenia in action for Barcelona B
Sunderland are hurtling towards relegation, and entering the Easter weekend, they lie ten points adrift of safety with just seven games to play.
After years of miraculously staving off relegation, this appears to be the year that Sunderland finally drop into the Championship, with David Moyes seemingly unable to mount a late revival.
If – or even when – Sunderland do suffer relegation, they will need to be smart in the transfer market, both to re-tool a squad lacking in quality, and to replace some players who could leave the club.
Sunderland may have to cast their net far and wide to find new signings, and with that in mind, here are three players the Black Cats could target who are currently playing in La Liga…
Sverrir Ingason: A part of Iceland’s Euro 2016 squad, defender Ingason joined Granada from Belgian side Lokeren in January, making 11 La Liga appearances so far. However, with Granada set for relegation from La Liga, Ingason may fancy a move elsewhere again, and with Sunderland needing defensive reinforcements, the 23-year-old centre back should be on the Black Cats’ radar.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld in action with CSKA Moscow’s Lacina Traore
Kiko Femenia: Right back has been a problem position for Sunderland for some time now, and summer signings Javi Manquillo and Donald Love haven’t solved that. One player who could fit the bill is former Barcelona and Real Madrid youngster Femenia. Now 26, the right back – who can also play on the right of midfield – is starring for Alaves in La Liga, but will be a free agent this summer having failed to agree a new contract. It may be an ambitious move, but Femenia would be a real coup for Sunderland in a problem position.
Lacina Traore: Formerly of Everton, giant striker Traore – who stands at 6ft 8in tall – joined Sporting Gijon on loan in January, and he has grabbed two goals in eight appearances so far. The Ivorian hit five goals in 14 league games for CSKA Moscow earlier this term, and appears to have no future with parent club AS Monaco. Sunderland need a striker whether Jermain Defoe stays or not, and the aerially dominant Traore could be a smart addition – especially in the Championship.
Would you like to see Sunderland target Ingason, Femenia or Traore?
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