Sunderland’s season is drawing towards a disappointing conclusion and thoughts are turning to what is going to be a crucial summer rebuild.
Interim head coach Mike Dodds has said that recruitment planning is under way behind the scenes at the Academy of Light, with change expected after the appointment of a new boss at the end of the campaign. So what’s likely to happen as it stands, and how could that change over the course of the summer months?
Here we assess the 33 players in Sunderland’s senior squad over the course of this campaign and whether they are likely to stay, go, or head out on loan in the summer transfer window…
Here we assess the 33 players in Sunderland’s senior squad over the course of this campaign and whether they are likely to stay, go, or head out on loan in the summer transfer window…
![Mayenda has struggled for regular minutes at Hibs but Dodds has more than once made the point that sometimes challenging loans can be the making of a player. Showed flashes of potential in his early appearances but is still very young and inexperienced. As it stands, looks as if he might be best used off the flank. Sunderland’s dilemma is whether to keep him on Wearside where he might not play regularly but can continue to adapt to the language and the new environment, or whether he’s best served getting more minutes elsewhere.
Verdict: Loan](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZkOGIzMDM2LTExMTgtNGU3YS05YTY3LWY5NjQyZWZjM2EyMDo1NGFlMDYyNC02OTZlLTQwMjQtOTE4MS0wMTg4ODE4N2JlNTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
29. ELIEZER MAYENDA
Mayenda has struggled for regular minutes at Hibs but Dodds has more than once made the point that sometimes challenging loans can be the making of a player. Showed flashes of potential in his early appearances but is still very young and inexperienced. As it stands, looks as if he might be best used off the flank. Sunderland’s dilemma is whether to keep him on Wearside where he might not play regularly but can continue to adapt to the language and the new environment, or whether he’s best served getting more minutes elsewhere. Verdict: Loan Photo: Frank Reid
![Was a regular during Sunderland’s winning run earlier in the season but struggled to get on the goal trail and has featured only sparingly in the second half of the season. Sunderland were keen on a permanent deal last summer but feels like a fresh start would be best for everyone this summer - just hasn’t worked out.
Verdict: Going](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRhOGY1NWI0LTU0NmEtNGE4Yy1iZTE4LWU1YmIxZGNkMjA0OTo4ZWE1MjAzMi00ZWE3LTQ0YzEtYTc3Yy0xMmUxZDFiM2U1ZjY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
30. MASON BURSTOW
Was a regular during Sunderland’s winning run earlier in the season but struggled to get on the goal trail and has featured only sparingly in the second half of the season. Sunderland were keen on a permanent deal last summer but feels like a fresh start would be best for everyone this summer - just hasn’t worked out. Verdict: Going Photo: Frank Reid
![One of the players facing a massive pre-season campaign. Sunderland have felt his fitness levels have been improving over the course of the current campaign, making that summer window all the more important if he is to challenge next season. Hasn’t worked out for either party so far and one thing is for sure: No one can afford another campaign of him not playing senior football. If it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen on Wearside, a loan must surely be considered.
Verdict: Possible loan](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjc4MDkyY2NhLWFlZTQtNDA3Zi04MjJlLTMwZWIwMzU2OGUyNTphM2RjOWE3OC1jOWFjLTRkODUtOTI0My01NDRiYjY5ZjI0NzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
31. LUIS HEMIR
One of the players facing a massive pre-season campaign. Sunderland have felt his fitness levels have been improving over the course of the current campaign, making that summer window all the more important if he is to challenge next season. Hasn’t worked out for either party so far and one thing is for sure: No one can afford another campaign of him not playing senior football. If it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen on Wearside, a loan must surely be considered. Verdict: Possible loan Photo: Frank Reid
![Has shown he can make an impact, possibly more as a wide player, and his work rate has given him a chance of winning over the supporters when he has played. Hasn’t worked yet but may well be better for his first campaign adjusting and a full pre-season under his belt.
Verdict: Staying](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjI1MWE5Yzc4LWViZGYtNGFmMy04MzYwLWU4MWI2Yjg3MWY3Yjo5ODg0YTNjNC0wOTQzLTQ2NGMtYWYzNC1jNzM3ZDQ0NTMyOTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
32. NAZARIY RUSYN
Has shown he can make an impact, possibly more as a wide player, and his work rate has given him a chance of winning over the supporters when he has played. Hasn’t worked yet but may well be better for his first campaign adjusting and a full pre-season under his belt. Verdict: Staying Photo: Frank Reid