Dream Ballard alternative: Sunderland ready to make bid for £30m “monster”

Sunderland Eye Back-to-Back Home Wins and Potential Defensive Reinforcements

Sunderland now face two consecutive home games as they aim to rebuild the confidence that powered their 3-0 opening day win over West Ham United.

While the EFL Cup may not be the club’s top priority this season, a win against Huddersfield Town later today would be a welcome boost following a 2-0 away defeat at Burnley.

After the cup tie, Sunderland return to Premier League action with a home clash against Jordan Henderson’s Brentford.

Once Brentford have visited the Stadium of Light, all eyes will turn to the transfer deadline day — with Sunderland still active in the market ahead of the final hours of the window.

Sunderland Prepare £30m Move for Defensive Reinforcements

Despite spending a hefty £141.5m already under manager Regis Le Bris this summer, Sunderland could yet sanction more big-money deals.

Reports suggest the club are eyeing a £30m move for RC Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa — a player previously tracked by Leeds United.

In addition, Sunderland are also preparing a similar bid for Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi.

According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Premier League newcomers are ready to make an official offer for the 27-year-old Frenchman, with Bournemouth also interested.

Disasi’s potential arrival could help cover for the injured Daniel Ballard, who was forced off early in the defeat at Burnley.

The Northern Ireland defender has struggled with injuries since joining Sunderland in 2022, having missed 67 games due to recurring fitness issues.

Disasi vs Ballard: A Statistical Comparison

Ballard’s injury record is a growing concern for Sunderland fans, so it’s no surprise the club is considering backup options. Axel Disasi — described as a “dominant” presence by scout Jacek Kulig — could be an ideal alternative.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Disasi has shown a knack for scoring key goals, similar to Ballard, who has netted seven times for the Black Cats.

Disasi impressed during his debut season at Chelsea, averaging 64.3 accurate passes per game in the league — while Ballard boasted an 88% pass completion rate last season in the Championship.

Disasi also showed his physicality, winning an average of 4.3 duels per game across 31 league starts — just shy of Ballard’s 4.6 in the second tier. Journalist Rahman Osman previously dubbed him a “monster” for his commanding defensive displays.

While his loan spell at Aston Villa last season didn’t set the world alight, Disasi proved he can still be a reliable squad player, winning all his duels in a match against Nottingham Forest during one of his final Villa Park appearances.

Ideally, Sunderland want a fully fit Ballard leading their defence, especially after his standout performance against West Ham. But with his fitness in doubt, Disasi could be a smart late-window signing to strengthen the backline and ease concerns about the fragility of their number five.