According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland has been linked to a bid for Ireland international Alan Browne.
Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats’ manager, has been keeping an eye on the former Preston player as he attempts to make up for lost time following his tardy appointment. Having played in nearly 350 Championship games throughout his more than 400 Preston outings, the midfielder provides Sunderland with the midfield expertise they require.
The 29-year-old is searching for his second English club in ten years after choosing not to sign a new contract at Deepdale. In an attempt to prevent the club from going through the same downturn as last season, the young manager has already talked candidly about experience.
“We are considering adding one or two more seasoned players who, for example, are very familiar with the Championship and have high training standards,” Le Bris stated. “They can guide the team during the game and help dictate the style of play.”
Browne has a lot of experience, for sure. Transfermarkt values him at €3 million (£2.5 million), and since joining Preston from Cork City in 2014, he has never been a part of a domestic move. He has since played 35 times for Ireland, scoring five goals, three of which came in 2022.
It’s reported that he has held talks with Sunderland and is also understood to have visited Wearside following his release from Preston at the end of last season.
The Black Cats are looking to make up for lost time after the protracted appointment of Le Bris. Following Michael Beale’s sacking last season, Mike Dodds took over as interim boss, winning just two of his 13 matches in charge. It was enough to see the club remain in the Championship, but a disappointing end to a season that had initially seen them touted as play-off candidates.
Le Bris was only appointed on July 1st after a drawn-out process which saw them seemingly miss out on their top targets. He’s now setting out to build a squad in double quick time, with a link to former Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood also emerging over the last couple of days.
This is exactly the sort of signing you would want to see as a Sunderland fan. When Le Bris came in, there was a fear among some sections of the support that an endless stream of European players could arrive, not entirely aware of the challenges the Championship poses.
Instead, they’re targeting players who know exactly what it is all about. Browne is a Championship stalwart, who has probably played as many games as anyone in the division. He’s been effective for Preston throughout his time there and has a huge reputation for professionalism and application.
This is exactly the sort of signing you should ant to see if you’re a fan of the Black Cats.
