Sunderland’s plans for the new season can now get underway after confirming Regis Le Bris as their new head coach.
The Black Cats have finally put an end to the long search for Mick Beale’s replacement, as they have decided that after several talks with different managers, Le Bris is the best fit.
The Frenchman isn’t well known to English football, but the club will hope that with a strong summer of activity, they can be in a good position to have a good go at the play-offs.
Eoin Toal
Sunderland do already have a few options in the central of defence, with players such as Dan Ballard, Aji Alese, Luke O’Nien, and Jenson Seelt.
But O’Nien is more of a makeshift centre-back, as he plays in a number of different roles for the Black Cats, while Seelt is said to be out injured until the end of the year.
That doesn’t leave Regis Le Bris with many options in that area of the pitch; therefore, the club should look to pursue a move for Bolton Wanderers’ Eoin Toal.
The Northern Irishman has been with the Trotters since July 2022, and his game has come on a lot in those two years.
The centre-back hasn’t played in the Championship before, but with Bolton failing to get promoted, Sunderland should try to test the club’s resolve and make a move for the 25-year-old.
Toal has recently signed a new contract at the club, but the temptation of playing in the second tier for a team like Sunderland may be too much to turn down.
The defender has really impressed since moving to England, with his defensive abilities on show in every game he plays, while he has also got an eye for goal, as seen with his four in League One last season.
Lawrence Shankland
Lawrence Shankland has been with Scottish Premiership side Hearts since 2022, and since returning to Scotland, the forward has been in sensational form in front of goal.
Shankland finished his first season with the Scottish side, having scored 28 goals in all competitions. He then followed that up by scoring 31 in all competitions in the 2023/24 season.
