David Moyes’ nightmare doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. After losing Patrick van Aanholt to Crystal Palace, it is now the turn of his other centre-half Papy Djilobodji, who is facing a four-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association.
It is related to an incident during Sunderland’s defeat at Hawthorns on Saturday that involved West Bromwich Albion skipper Darren Fletcher. Although match referee Craig Pawson did not see Saturday’s incident, the player was later charged with the help of video evidence.
The only silver lining for Moyes is that the transfer window is still open to making any last moment adjustments and more importantly, Lamine Kone is expectantly returning for the next league game. However, Moyes would need someone to absorb the pressure alongside Kone at the back and T4O brings 3 players, who could effectively do the job.
Phil Jagielka
The former Everton skipper is almost sure to leave the Toffees either this window or the other. The 34-year-old was brought to Everton in 2007 by David Moyes and a reunion is. The former England international’s experience could be of immense help for Moyes at the back.
He has played a staggering 583 matches in English football, where he has scored 34 goals in all his career. A natural centre-half by nature, Jagielka is known inside out by Moyes and could be used to the fullest by the manager. Now, it is understandable if he doesn’t want to leave an eighth-place club for a bottom dwelling relegation battlers, but the Sunderland boss could definitely try a loan move.
Branislav Ivanovic
Another Premier League veteran, Ivanovic possesses huge chunks of experience at the back playing all these years in Chelsea and could be a serious upgrade for Sunderland’s defence. He has lost his regular place in Chelsea. Until the return of Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake, Ivanovic was quite a regular in the EFL Cups and FA Cups, but even that has changed now.
Although Ivanovic came off the bench to have a big impact for the team and even netting a goal against Brentford in FA Cup 4th round, he would be definitely expecting more game time. And Sunderland could try a loan move for the Serbian international for the exact same reason as with Jagielka.
Mamadou Sakho
Now, here is a player the Black Cats can actually buy. The Liverpool exiled defender is hungry for games and hasn’t played a single league game since the rift with the manager and the club. But, the Reds bought the player for £25m from Paris Saint-Germain and would like to squeeze out the most in his resale value.
Although Moyes now has the cash to splash with the sale of Aanholt, Sakho’s fitness will be a huge concern and if he will be worth the money. However, it doesn’t take away his brilliant abilities as a centre-half.
