Marco Gabbiadini urges Sunderland to sign a forward before transfer window closes

Former striker Marco Gabbiadini says Sunderland must sign a forward before the upcoming transfer deadline to ensure sufficient depth. While he praised the club for retaining 90 percent of the squad from last season, he identified the need for additional personnel to manage the demands of an expanded European schedule. Gabbiadini emphasized that a new forward is imperative to provide cover for potential injuries and create competition within the attacking unit. Despite current satisfaction with Trai Hume and Nilson Angulo on the wings, he noted the need for rotation in the wide and right-sided attacking midfield roles. Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi continues to oversee recruitment as the team prepares for the increased volume of matches. The club has not ruled out late additions to the squad, with Regis le Bris currently managing the existing roster size and evaluating further options before the deadline.

• 6:20 AMYahoo Sports — 'A forward is imperative' before transfer deadline