Sunderland have completed the signing of Bailey Wright but the transfer may not be as an astute a move as it seems on paper.The defender arriving on loan may cause frustration for some fans as it indicates a lack of spending but given Wright’s injury record it is a sensible decision.He has played in just 15 league games in the past year-and-a-half, with just four appearances this term, and that shows he would be a big risk to sign on a long-term contract. The concern from certain segments of the fanbase, therefore, is rather understandable.
However, a temporary spell gives the club time to assess his ability and fitness, meaning it’s a win-win situation.
One of the biggest positives is the experience and leadership he possesses. With 24 caps for Australia and 130 games played at Championship level, including captaining the Robins since summer 2017, there is a clear level of expertise in his locker.
Disrupting the defence
Wright may have experience but given Sunderland’s current fortunes, it’s difficult to see where the 27-year-old actually fits in at the Stadium of Light.
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Phil Parkinson has achieved significant progress in guiding the team to seven games unbeaten, and much of that success has been down to the continuity in playing personnel starting each game, specifically at the back.
That has had a particularly profound effect on the defence, with the back five finally beginning to understand the system in place as well as each other’s roles, and it is paying off.
Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume have provided balance between attack and defence on the flanks while the central three have kept things solid, as four goals conceded over the seven-game period would suggest.
Alim Ozturk is one player who has looked rejuvenated in recent weeks, as his return of one interception and 3.8 clearances per game would attest to. Therefore, Wright coming in could upset the apple cart and disrupt an area of the team that appears to be ever-improving.
Parkinson may be keen to integrate his new signing quickly but there is no need to change a winning formula. That means the Australian should have to earn his place on merit, potentially coming into the team if one of Ozturk, Jordan Willis, or Joel Lynch are unavailable.
Meanwhile, one pundit has made it clear to a Sunderland target about what he should do this month.
