Sunderland want to sign ‘electric’ Chelsea player with January loan on the cards

Sunderland need Chelsea’s visit to bring some relief after another bruising night at the Stadium of Light.

Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb ended their unbeaten Europa League start, leaving Regis Le Bris facing an anxious crowd again just three days later.

REUTERS/David Klein

Europe had provided some welcome distraction from their domestic troubles, and now the Black Cats must get back to the business of climbing off the bottom.

They have collected five points from nine Premier League matches and gone seven league games without a win, and last weekend’s 3–1 defeat at Coventry only deepened the concern.

Chelsea arrive for Sunday’s kick-off sitting fourth, having beaten Man United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, and Sunderland cannot afford to let another match drift away from them.

There is one encouraging detail in the recent history, though.

Le Bris oversaw two 2–1 victories against Chelsea last season, winning in London before repeating the score at home in May, and those results should give his players something to draw on when belief is being tested.

Another victory would be a huge lift before the international break, although Sunderland have defensive problems to work around.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Omar Alderete is suspended following his red card at Coventry, and Nordi Mukiele could return after concussion, but his availability still depends on completing the recovery process.

There was better news from Le Bris on Friday, with no additional injuries reported after the Dinamo defeat.

Thomas Meunier’s withdrawal at halftime was planned to manage his workload for Sunday, rather than being prompted by a new fitness issue.

Chelsea have their own selection questions, with Xabi Alonso waiting on Moisés Caicedo and goalkeeper Emi Martinez, while Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro will miss the trip.

REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Sunderland need to make those absences count without losing sight of their own problems, and getting through Sunday with something tangible would give Le Bris a welcome platform for the fortnight ahead.

Beyond that, January offers another opportunity to change their fortunes, and one potential recruit belongs to this weekend’s opponents.

Sunderland join Jamie Gittens race as Chelsea consider January loan

TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reports that Sunderland have shown interest in Jamie Gittens, who could leave Chelsea on loan in January.

The ‘electric‘ winger arrived from Borussia Dortmund in a £50 million deal in 2025, but he now needs a way to revive a career being held back by injury.

An ankle problem is currentyl keeping him out, extending his wait for a Premier League appearance this season. Chelsea are receptive to a loan because they want Gittens to play regular competitive games, and still expect him to have a future at Stamford Bridge.

That could create an opportunity for Sunderland to strengthen out wide, although their interest is only part of a wider race.

Leeds are also keen, and Roma have already made enquiries. Chelsea like the Italian club as a possible landing spot too, while RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt have asked about Gittens as well.

For Sunderland, there is plenty to weigh up beyond the appeal of bringing in an expensive attacking prospect.

His recovery would matter to any plan for January, and a team short of wins would want to know how quickly a new winger could be ready to help.

Still, Chelsea’s willingness to consider a loan makes Gittens worth watching.