Michael Beale offers blunt Sunderland AFC transfer update | OneFootball

Michael Beale has shared an update as Sunderland eye reinforcements in the January transfer window.

It's been a difficult start to 2024 for the Black Cats. A 2-0 win over Preston North End on New Year's Day was followed by two defeats on the spin, including a humiliating 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

Despite an uneasy feeling growing at The Stadium of Light, Beale's men still sit seventh in the Championship - level on points with Coventry City, who occupy the last playoff berth.

One or two new additions would see optimism once again grow in the North East, particularly after gatecrashing the playoffs in the 2022/23 campaign.

Michael Beale shares blunt Sunderland transfer update

Despite there being hope for new arrivals, Beale's latest update won't have raised excitement levels on Wearside.

"Nothing to report. Same as last week. Nobody out either," said the Sunderland boss (quoted by the Sunderland Echo's James Copley).

Despite the disappointing update from the former Rangers manager, he did insist that work was ongoing on the transfer front behind the scenes.

"I can assure you that people are working really hard," he added.

Sunderland host playoff hopefuls Hull City in their next Championship clash, knowing that a win will take them four points clear of their Humberside rivals.

Sunderland must land striker

As previously mentioned, a striker is desperately required at The Stadium of Light.

Considering the high number of summer arrivals, the January window will be about fine-tuning key positions. One player who has been linked with a move is Notts County's Macaulay Langstaff.

According to HITC on 16 January, the 20-goal Notts County man is being monitored by a host of clubs, including Sunderland. For Beale and the decision-makers at The Stadium of Light, this should be a fairly straight forward decision.

Considering Sunderland started with Jobe Bellingham and Alex Pritchard up front in the 2-1 away defeat to Ipswich Town, the top-scorer in England's top four divisions would certainly be an upgrade.

Furthermore, the Black Cats' underlying numbers have been impressive, particularly in the attacking third. Only five teams have generated higher expected goals and only six have created more big chances, as per FotMob.

Adding someone to finish the number of good quality chances could well be the difference in securing a top six berth. With eight clubs separated by just four points, fine margins at the top end of the pitch will ultimately decide who extends their season come May.