“Waste of millions” Sunderland and Regis le bris not satisfied with summer transfer star whose performance is absolutely below par.
**Sunderland on the Rise but Facing Key Challenges Ahead**
After enduring a turbulent period that saw Sunderland drop to League One, the Black Cats appear to be back on an upward trajectory in the Championship under the guidance of Regis Le Bris. The appointment of the Frenchman has proven to be a masterstroke, with the former Lorient manager steering the team to a strong position. Sunderland will aim to secure their tenth win of the season when they face Millwall this Saturday.
However, fans are already concerned about the potential impact of the upcoming January transfer window, as several standout players under Le Bris’ leadership are being linked with moves away.
### **Sunderland’s January Transfer Outlook**
The transfer window is likely to be a mix of anticipation and anxiety for Sunderland supporters. While the club will undoubtedly look to strengthen their squad for a promotion push, the focus will also be on retaining key talents like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham.
Rigg, at just 17 years old, has already caught the eye with three league goals and a reported £30 million price tag, which could deter some suitors. Meanwhile, Bellingham is attracting widespread interest, including from Borussia Dortmund, the club that helped propel his brother Jude to stardom.
Despite these transfer speculations, Sunderland are unlikely to spend excessively on replacements, given their history of costly mistakes in the Premier League era—a painful lesson exemplified by their ill-fated record signing, Didier Ndong.
### **The Disastrous Ndong Transfer**
Ndong’s arrival from Lorient for £13.6 million remains Sunderland’s record signing and one of the most regrettable in the club’s history. Brought in with high expectations, the Gabonese midfielder failed to deliver, managing just one goal contribution in the Premier League during his debut season, which ended in Sunderland’s relegation.
Following the club’s subsequent relegation to League One, Ndong failed to report for pre-season training in 2018, leading to his dismissal. The move proved financially crippling for Sunderland, with the total cost—factoring in his transfer fee and £30,000-per-week wages—amounting to approximately £17 million.
Now valued at just £1 million by Transfermarkt, Ndong plays for Esteghlal FC in Iran, a far cry from the promise he once held. His failure at Sunderland left a lasting scar on the club’s finances and reputation, a reminder of the risks of poor transfer decisions.
### **Looking Forward**
As Sunderland push for promotion, they’ll aim to avoid repeating past mistakes in the transfer market. With Le Bris at the helm and a renewed sense of direction, the Black Cats are hopeful that their climb back to the Premier League will be marked by smarter decisions and sustained success.