Sunderland have joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest full-back Jordan Gabriel [Football Insider].
The Lowdown: Sunderland sign heavily ahead of 2021/22
Facing a real crossroads as a football club in the last few years, Black Cats manager Lee Johnson will be under no illusions with regards to the task at hand in 2021/22, as he aims to lift his side out of Sky Bet League One for the first time since 2018.
Making inroads in the transfer market, the North East giants have completed four deals in the form of Alex Pritchard, Corry Evans, Jacob Carney and Callum Doyle respectively [Transfermarkt].
Now, they look set to heavily pursue another target following recent developments.
The Latest: Sunderland interested in Gabriel; Blackpool also keen
Sunderland are said to be interested in signing 22-year-old Gabriel, who is also attracting attention from Blackpool, who he spent time on loan with last year [Football Insider].
Both sides are said to have made an official approach for the London-born defender as they vie for his signature.
Advantageously, Gabriel’s parent club Nottingham Forest are open to listening to offers with the window drawing to a close next month.
The Verdict: Gabriel would be a solid addition for the Black Cats
Seeking competence within defence and attack, Gabriel would be a solid addition to the ranks at the Stadium of Light.
In 2020/21, he made a notable impact for the Seasiders, registering two goal contributions in 35 fixtures across the piece; one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt].
Furthermore, the 5 foot 8 ace impressed with his power in the air over the campaign, winning two aerial duels per fixture [WhoScored].
Showing both sides to his game, he was once labelled as ‘very good going forward’ by football reporter Matt Scrafton [Nottingham Post].
Moving towards the new campaign, Sunderland should look to tie up a deal for the talented right-sided defender.
In other news, an EFL spy reckons Sunderland should sign a Sky Bet League One star.
