Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has told his players to give him a reason not to sign a new striker in the January window.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has urged his players to provide a compelling reason not to pursue a new striker in the upcoming January transfer window. Currently positioned 6th in the Championship table, Sunderland is on track to replicate last season’s top-six finish, having scored 27 goals, trailing behind 2nd-placed Ipswich Town by nine goals.

Expressing concern over the lack of goal-scoring form among his strikers, particularly with Jack Clarke being the predominant scorer with nine goals, Mowbray has challenged his forward players to step up. In an interview with the Sunderland Echo, Mowbray emphasized the need for all positions, including strikers, to contribute effectively. He stressed that if players, regardless of their positions, are not achieving desired outcomes, corrective measures must be taken.

As the January transfer window approaches, Sunderland has nine games to play before potential additions to the striking department are considered. Mowbray places the responsibility on the players to demonstrate consistent goal-scoring performances, potentially eliminating the need for additional striker signings.

However, the situation could be complicated by the uncertainty surrounding the future of prolific winger Jack Clarke, who has attracted rumors regarding his potential departure. Despite Sunderland’s current success, Mowbray acknowledges the ongoing opportunity to enhance the team’s goal-scoring capabilities, suggesting that the decision on new signings will hinge on the performance of the existing crop of strikers in the upcoming weeks.