Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Alan Browne and Jocelin Ta Bi remain part of his Sunderland plans after both players failed to secure moves away from the club on transfer deadline day.
Ta Bi was close to joining Burnley on loan, but the deal collapsed before the window closed. Browne, meanwhile, attracted interest from his former side Preston North End, although a return to Deepdale could not be completed in time. Despite the failed exits, Le Bris believes both players can still make valuable contributions this season.
Speaking about Ta Bi, the Sunderland boss said the young midfielder remains an option for the squad and highlighted his potential as a right-sided attacking player.
“He is in the team, and I’m happy because Jocelin is a young player with potential as a right winger. He needs time to develop. We had to decide whether a loan move would be better or whether keeping him here was the right choice. In the end, he stayed, and it’s a good opportunity for him to continue improving over the next few months.”
Le Bris was also full of praise for Browne, describing the Republic of Ireland international as an important figure despite his limited involvement at the start of the campaign.
“Brownie is a very good professional. He didn’t get much playing time at the beginning of the season and was expected to leave, but I like him as a player and as a person. He will definitely help the squad.”
Ta Bi’s situation has drawn extra attention because Sunderland had been searching for a natural right winger during the summer transfer window but were unable to complete a deal for one. That raised questions about whether the position remained a weakness in Le Bris’ squad.
However, the Sunderland head coach believes his current options are strong enough, pointing to the versatility of players who can operate on the right side.
Le Bris explained that while a specialist winger would have been welcomed, he is satisfied with the attacking threat provided by his wing-back options.
“If we could have found an experienced right winger, it would have been a good addition. But if not, we are comfortable with what we have. We have more wing-backs than traditional wingers, but players like Nordi, Thomas and Trai can all contribute. They defend well, offer something going forward and can create problems for opponents.”