Sunderland's six summer signings have been graded on their early impact after the club invested an estimated £60 million in the transfer window. The ratings highlight the immediate contributions and developmental needs within Regis Le Bris's squad as they sit 14th in the Premier League with four points.
SunderlandRoundtable said: "SunderlandRoundtable has rated the players that the Stadium of Light transfer team recruited in the summer, based on their performances so far this season and what this bodes for the rest of the campaign."
Meunier, Ahoka and Danso earn top marks
Veteran right-back Thomas Meunier, signed as a free agent after leaving Lille, has been a consistent presence with seven appearances across all competitions. His two assists include a key pass in the recent 5-3 defeat at Manchester City, where he set up Brian Brobbey's second goal. He received an A rating for his reliable start.
Young prospect Jules Ahoka, a 20-year-old who arrived for an undisclosed fee, also earned an A. He made his sole senior appearance in the Carabao Cup victory over Hull City, a 1-0 win that helped Sunderland progress. Kevin Danso, the defender on loan from Tottenham, has slotted into the backline for Premier League and Europa League matches, securing an A grade for his solid integration.
Mixed returns for record arrivals
The club's most expensive acquisition, Malick Fofana, joined from Lyon for £30.8 million. The forward has made five outings but is yet to register a goal or assist, earning a B rating as he adapts to English football. Fellow attacker Dayann Methalie, a £25.7 million signing from Toulouse, has made just two appearances, including a Premier League debut at the Etihad. He received a C grade.
Juan Riquelme Angulo, the £5 million arrival from Independiente del Valle, is the only signing yet to make a senior debut. His first action came for the under-21s in a 3-1 win over Norwich City's youth side, resulting in an N/A rating from the panel.
Context of a challenging start
The assessments come as Sunderland handle a tough opening to the season. Their last outing was a high-scoring 5-3 loss to Manchester City, a result that left them with a goal difference of minus four. Brian Brobbey, who scored a hat-trick in that game, leads the team's scoring charts with three goals in five appearances.
With the squad still gelling, the contributions from new faces like Meunier and Danso will be vital. The full breakdown of the team's current form and league position is available in our standings section. Sunderland's next chance to build momentum arrives after the international break, with the Brighton clash at the Stadium of Light.
Read the full report at roundtable.io
