Key Points
- Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris says there are no plans for major January transfer business, despite injuries and absences.
- Le Bris intends to field a strong side in the FA Cup against Everton while managing player workload after a congested festive schedule.
- Striker Wilson Isidor is being assessed after returning to training, as Sunderland balance short‑term demands with long‑term ambitions.
Sunderland (West London News) January 9, 2026 – Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has indicated the club do not expect to be active in the January transfer window, even as the team contend with injuries, a packed fixture list and multiple absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking ahead of Sunderland’s FA Cup third‑round tie away to Everton, Le Bris told Sky Sports there were currently no plans for incoming business this month, stressing instead the need to manage his existing squad through a demanding period while remaining competitive on multiple fronts.
What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland’s January transfer plans?
Sky Sports’ live Sunderland transfer blog reports that Regis Le Bris has made clear there are “no plans” for Sunderland to be active during the current January transfer window, signalling a conservative approach to recruitment despite the club’s push to maintain their position in the Premier League table.
According to Sky Sports, Le Bris’ comments come after a festive programme in which Sunderland extended an impressive unbeaten run before a 3-0 league defeat to hounslow/brentford/">Brentford, and during a spell where the squad has at times been without six players due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments.
As reported by Sky Sports’ digital football desk of Sky Sports, Le Bris is focusing on internal solutions and squad management rather than seeking immediate reinforcements in the market, reflecting confidence in the group that has carried Sunderland into the top half of the table.
How is Sunderland balancing the FA Cup with a congested schedule?
Le Bris has said he plans to “go strong” in the FA Cup against Everton, underlining the importance of the competition to Sunderland’s season while acknowledging the need to protect players amid a heavy run of fixtures.
According to Sky Sports’ report on his pre‑match media duties, Le Bris explained that every hour between games is used to assess the physical condition of his squad and that he does not want to take “unnecessary risks” with player fitness.
He described the selection process as a “balance”, with staff holding individual conversations with players to determine how best to combine a competitive line‑up with sensible load management, particularly in a period where league and cup commitments are tightly packed.
Why does the FA Cup matter to Sunderland this season?
Le Bris has highlighted the FA Cup’s historic significance to Sunderland, noting the club’s famous triumphs in 1937 and 1973 and telling reporters that the competition remains “really prestigious” for the Wearside side.
Sky Sports’ coverage of his comments states that the French coach believes a strong run later in the tournament could have a positive impact on the club’s mood and ambition over the remainder of the campaign, reinforcing his desire to treat the tie against Everton as more than a rotation exercise.
By emphasising both tradition and potential psychological benefits, Le Bris has framed the FA Cup as an integral part of Sunderland’s broader objectives, even as he acknowledges that the squad is “on the edge” after the festive period in terms of physical demands.
What is the latest on Sunderland’s squad fitness and selection issues?
Le Bris and his staff are assessing striker Wilson Isidor, who returned to training on the eve of the Everton match after missing Sunderland’s previous two fixtures through injury, according to Sky Sports’ live updates.
The head coach has indicated that a late decision will be taken on Isidor’s involvement, reflecting the broader theme of risk management that has shaped Sunderland’s approach in recent weeks as they deal with niggling injuries and international call‑ups.
Sky Sports’ reporting also notes that the club’s strong recent form, including a five‑game unbeaten league run over the festive period before the defeat to Brentford, has been achieved despite these absences, reinforcing Le Bris’ belief that the existing squad can cope without substantial January recruitment.
With the Africa Cup of Nations continuing to deprive Sunderland of several players, Le Bris’ stance on the window suggests that any adjustments to the squad are more likely to come from tactical tweaks and internal options than from late‑window signings, barring a significant change in circumstances.
