Jhon Lucumi signs as Kristjaan Speakman sanctions £87m deal: Sunderland's dream 25-26 squad

If the transfer reports are true, here is how Sunderland’s squad may look in September.

Régis Le Bris claims Sunderland is still looking to expand their team before the transfer market ends, but the club will only make moves for high-caliber players.

The Black Cats suffered a 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday, with goals from Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony proving decisive at Turf Moor, and attention has now returned to transfer activity in the final days of the summer window.

Sunderland signed Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain last weekend, making him the club’s 12th summer acquisition. The defender, who can play both right and center back, made the Burnley matchday squad and is anticipated to add depth and competitiveness this season.

The club has made a £25 million approach for Bologna center-back Jhon Lucumí, but the Serie A side is reportedly unwilling to sell. Le Bris, as usual, did not name particular targets, but made it plain that any future signings would need to considerably strengthen his squad.

“We still want to reinforce the squad if it makes sense for the balance,” Le Bris told reporters. “It’s still feasible in the backline if we find the right guy at the right level with the appropriate attitude. We still have one alternative, perhaps. But if that’s not the case, we’ll stick with what we have.

Sunderland are also looking into adding another wide player before the deadline, though Le Bris has said the club will not splurge. “There’s a lot of speculation which is positive for everyone,” Le Bris further stated. “The same answer. If it is possible to strengthen the squad with the correct profile, we will proceed, but this is not simply our question. It depends on the player and the club, so we’ll see.”

Sunderland’s major incoming business appears to be virtually accomplished, with 12 signings now confirmed, but Le Bris anticipates further surprises in the final week of the window. “Stressful or relaxed, I don’t know, maybe somewhere in the middle,” he responded when asked about the next days.

“The last week has always been a little frantic and chaotic, but we are currently highly organized and working together, so if one of us loses their head, the other can catch them. We don’t have much recruitment to do right now, so if we can sign one or two more guys, we will; if not, we’ll stay as is.

With a dose of salt, here’s what Sunderland’s strongest XI and bench could look like once the transfer dust settles:

1. IN: Robin Roefs.

Following his £11.5 million transfer, the goalkeeper made his season debut against West Ham at the Stadium of Light and was retained for the Burnley encounter.