Sunderland have identified Sassuolo left‑back Josh Doig as the priority target to add creativity to a side that finished the 2025 campaign with 42 goals scored. The Black Cats, sitting seventh in the Premier League with 54 points, are keen to avoid a repeat of their low‑scoring record as they prepare for a busy Europa League schedule.
Why does Sunderland need a new left‑back?
The club’s left side has struggled for imagination since Reinildo’s free transfer from Atletico Madrid. Reinildo, a solid defender, won 55 % of his duels but contributed little to the attacking phase. After Dennis Cirkin left on a free in early July, manager Regi Le Bris has been looking for a player who can combine defensive solidity with crossing prowess. Sunderland’s 42‑goal tally in 38 league games placed them at the bottom of the top‑14, highlighting the need for an offensive spark from full‑back positions.
Who is Josh Doig and what does he offer?
Josh Doig, a 24‑year‑old Scotland international, was bought by Sassuolo for £5 million in 2024. In the 2025‑26 Serie A season he created more than twice as many chances per match as Reinildo and delivered twice the number of accurate crosses per game. His statistics include four big chances created while completing 34 % of his attempted crosses, proving his ability to generate quality opportunities from the flank.
How realistic is the £5 million move?
The Daily Record reports that Sunderland are among several clubs, including Marseille and Olympiacos, interested in Doig. Sassuolo’s asking price remains undisclosed, but the Black Cats are expected to push for a reasonable fee given their limited activity this window. With only Thomas Meunier added on a free from Lille, the club’s transfer urgency has surprised fans, especially as they qualified for the Europa League and will face a congested fixture list.
What does this mean for Sunderland’s upcoming season?
If Doig joins, he would arrive as an instant upgrade, potentially improving Sunderland’s crossing output and chance creation. The club’s recent form-three wins and two draws in the last five matches, including a 2‑1 victory over Chelsea on 24 May 2026-suggests they are capable of building momentum. However, injuries to Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete mean depth will be tested, making a creative left‑back even more valuable as the season unfolds.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Doig underscores a clear intent: to turn a defensively solid but offensively limited side into a more dynamic threat, aiming to climb higher than seventh place and close the 31‑point gap to league leaders Arsenal.
