“Has to start spending” - Clear message sent to Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus | OneFootball

FLW’s Black Cats expert believes billionaire owner is committed long-term but must open his wallet

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus made history as the youngest EFL chairman when he acquired his initial stake in Sunderland in February 2021.

The Swiss-born French billionaire, now controlling 64% of the club, has overseen promotion from League One and established the Black Cats as Championship promotion contenders.

However, as injuries threaten their Premier League push, supporters are increasingly vocal about the need for greater squad investment from their wealthy owner who boasts a reported £2 billion fortune.

Fan pundit shares confidence in Louis-Dreyfus’ long term commitment at Sunderland

Football League World spoke to resident Sunderland expert Jordan Newcombe on whether or not the Black Cats’ owner was in it for the long haul in the North East.

“With the owner I do think he is in for the long haul,” Newcombe told FLW, though he had some advice for Louis-Dreyfus' longevity on Wearside.

“Obviously the one thing we’re going to have to start to do is spend a lot more than we usually do.”

“Try and build up the players in the squad as much as we can, don’t leave anything out and don’t have any issues going into the season, always get back-ups for positions in case of injuries and suspensions, everything like that.”

“So I do believe he’s in it for the long haul but the one thing I would always say, and what 95% of the actual fan base would say is still spend - it’s one of those things.”

“If we don't spend we’re going to keep running into the same issues of just, you know, injuries, suspensions, and then being left with players who aren’t being played in the correct positions.”

“And then we’re missing out on those points because players don’t know where they’re playing, or because they’re actually playing there and they’re not very good, because they’re not playing in their natural position.”

“So if he’s in for the long haul - which I do believe he is - he has to start spending.”

Lack of investment will continue to derail Sunderland’s Premier League promotion hopes

Sunderland's current promotion push highlights the tension between Louis-Dreyfus' cautious approach and supporter expectations.

Despite sitting comfortably in the playoff positions, recent injuries to key players like Enzo Le Fee and Dennis Cirkin have exposed the squad's lack of depth.

Under manager Regis Le Bris, the team has won just half of their last six Championship games, sitting 13 points clear of fourth-placed Coventry City but nine points behind automatic promotion contenders Burnley.

While the club's trajectory since Louis-Dreyfus' arrival has been largely positive, rising from League One disappointment to Championship contenders, last season's controversial decisions remind supporters of the fragility of their progress.

As Sunderland approach a potential return to the Premier League via the playoffs, the question remains whether Louis-Dreyfus will heed fans' calls to invest more substantially in the squad to avoid the recurring issues that have plagued their campaign.