The October international break has given Sunderland a sense of optimism for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The Black Cats currently lead the Championship, playing an attractive style of football and boasting a promising young core. Their strategy closely resembles Brighton’s successful approach in recent years.
Their 2-2 draw with Leeds United before the break had an element of luck due to a late equalizer, but their position at the top of the table is a result of consistent and impressive performances over their first nine games.
Régis Le Bris became head coach after an extended search process, and his appointment appears to be a major win for the club.
However, it’s the makeup of Sunderland’s squad that has fans excited about the future, drawing apt comparisons to Brighton.
**Sunderland’s Resemblance to Brighton**
Brighton’s rise from League Two to European competition has solidified their reputation for savvy transfer market dealings. Their model of signing young players at a low cost and developing them into stars for substantial profits has set the standard for effective recruitment.
Players like Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Ben White, and Alexis Mac Allister all enhanced their profiles at Brighton before being sold for significant sums, including Caicedo’s £115 million move in 2023, as reported by Sky Sports.
This approach has benefited Brighton both on the field and financially, enabling them to compete in European competitions last season and achieve a record Premier League profit of £122.8 million, according to the BBC.
Sunderland is aiming for a similar trajectory and is showing promise this season. Young talents like Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, and Eliezer Mayenda have played key roles in their successful start, all under the age of 20.
This progress comes after losing a key player like Jack Clarke over the summer, who had been instrumental in recent seasons.
**Brighton’s Top 5 Player Sales:**
| Player | Sale Figure (£) |
|———————-|—————–|
| Moises Caicedo | 115 million |
| Marc Cucurella | 60 million |
| Ben White | 50 million |
| Alexis Mac Allister | 35 million |
| Yves Bissouma | 35 million |
**Sunderland’s Recruitment Strategy is Paying Off**
According to the BBC, Sunderland earned £15 million from Jack Clarke’s transfer to Ipswich Town, which is a substantial sum for a Championship club. The team’s ability to cope with his departure demonstrates the effectiveness of their recruitment approach.
Brighton has succeeded by selling players like Caicedo, White, or Mac Allister for high fees, while already having suitable replacements lined up through smart planning. Sunderland appears to be following a similar path.
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