The 15 transfers that could happen in a busy January transfer window for Sunderland explained

Sunderland are preparing for a busy January transfer window with a number of ins and outs expected across the course of the month.

Here, we look at the deals in play as Sunderland look to add more quality to their group and find moves for those struggling for regular game time...

Sunderland sign Mattéo Guendouzi/another midfielder

Though Lutsharel Geertruida performed very well at Brighton and showed he can clearly be trusted in central midfield at this level, that he was playing that position to begin with showed there is a slight vulnerability in the squad at the moment. In theory Dan Neil would be the obvious understudy/alternative to Granit Xhaka, but his lack of game time this season and ongoing contract uncertainty mean there is no guarantee he will stay beyond the window and/or play regularly. While Habib Diarra will be fully in contention to start on a regular basis after the Africa Cup of Nations, Sunderland look set to try and add another midfielder to their group so they can maintain the quality and consistency they have enjoyed in this part of the pitch through the first half of the season.

They have been linked with Lazio midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi, who is very well known to head coach Régis Le Bris from their time together at Lorient and who would clearly lift the overall quality of the squad. Whether Sunderland would be able to pull off what would be a major deal in this upcoming window remains to be seen but it's clear that they will hope to reach the end of the window having reinforced this part of the pitch either way.

Sunderland reinforce in the wide areas

The other position where Sunderland will clearly look to strengthen is in the wide areas, and most probably on the right flank specifically. Bertrand Traoré has proven to be a very smart pick up from Ajax on deadline day, and has shown he can use his experience and quality to play an important part in the second half of the season. Behind him, however, there isn't a great deal of depth. Chemsdine Talbi has shown real promise so far but looks more comfortable off the left flank, where Sunderland also have a now fully-fit Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra.

Another right winger could free Talbi up to move over more regularly and leave Le Bris with depth for the remainder of the campaign. The challenge will be finding a winger of the requisite quality who is also match fit and able to make a quick impact. If the Black Cats can't find the right player, they might opt to go with what they've got.

Dan Neil departs

Neil could be in line for some minutes over the festive period due to Sunderland's AFCON absentees, but as mentioned before his long-term future looks very precarious as he enters the last six months of his deal. Neil will be from January 1st free to talk to clubs from abroad about a free transfer next summer, and there was interest from La Liga previously. Neil opted to reject that interest to fight for his place on Wearside, but four months on has been limited to very brief substitute cameos. The 24-year-old will also have interest from the Championship if he is indeed keen to move on, and he will surely be keen to be playing regularly at this stage of his career. Should any strong permanent bids arrive, then his contractual situation means that Sunderland will be in a position where they have no real choice but to entertain them from a financial perspective.

Arthur Masuaku leaves

The experienced left back has struggled for regular minutes since joining as a free transfer in the summer, and Le Bris has already confirmed that he could depart in search of more regular football next month.

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Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde secure loan moves

Hjelde made his return to the squad at Brighton, having undergone surgery on both of his achilles in the summer. Aji Alese suffered a setback in his recovery from that major injury he suffered in the FA Cup defeat to Stoke City back in January, but is believed to be on the comeback trail and not far off a return. With competition for places in defensive positions fierce even before Sunderland's AFCON absentees return, it would seem logical for both to try and get some regular football so that all parties can then make a longer-term decision this summer.

Senior quintet depart

Ian Poveda, Abdoullah Ba, Timothée Pembélé, Ian Poveda, Jay Matete and Joe Anderson have all been training and occasionally playing with the U21 squad since being told they were not part of Le Bris's plans at the start of the summer window. Sunderland would prefer a permanent move, but would consider loan moves that would enable them to play regularly and rebuild match sharpness in the hope of encouraging suitors in the summer. Matete and Anderson are about to enter the last six months of their deal, so could run down their contracts and leave as free agents in the summer.

Sunderland sign a striker/Eliezer Mayenda leaves on loan

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, though it remains to be seen how accurate that is and whether the club will move for another striker in this window. Brian Brobbey is starting to make a real impression having needed some time to reach full fitness, and while his form has dipped a little of late Wilson Isidor started the season very impressively and shown he can make an impact at the level.

If Sunderland do dip back into the market, then they will surely look to find a loan move so that Eliezer Mayenda can play regularly. However, the Spain youth international should get some minutes over the next few games due to AFCON absences and so could play his way back firmly into contention. So we think this chain of transfers is probably unlikely, but time will tell.

Harrison Jones leaves on loan

The midfielder has made huge progress behind the scenes over the last 18 months but needs to be playing regularly at this stage of his career.

Ahmed Adbullahi leaves on loan

Abdullahi was close to signing for Ligue 1 side Angers late in the summer window, but financial restrictions imposed on the French club prevented the deal from going through. Abdullahi subsequently suffered an injury behind the scenes but is now close to full fitness and is expected to go out on loan in January. Has shown real promise in U21 and pre-season appearances, but regular Premier League football is deemed unlikely at this stage and so a temporary move is the best option for all parties at this stage.

Three possible departures we think are probably unlikely

Like Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin's contractual situation means that Sunderland will have to consider any bids that come in. However, Arthur Masuaku's possible departure means his exit would leave the Black Cats short of cover and competition for the superb Reinildo.

Anthony Patterson and Luke O'Nien are also struggling for regular minutes, but Sunderland need quality back up for Robin Roefs and so a review of the situation in the summer seems more likely. O'Nien's versatility and leadership also make him an important part of the squad even if at the moment his minutes have been limited. So exits can't be ruled out, but this window doesn't necessarily feel like the right time - Sunderland need depth if they are to maintain their impressive form.

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