Sunderland have come remarkably close to sealing some big-name signatures over the years.
Sunderland have been linked with several players over the years – and have come agonisingly close to sealing some remarkable deals.
While some opted to move elsewhere, others were not pursued as the Black Cats opted to make other signings instead. Just for fun, we’ve taken a look back over the last few decades at some of the deals which Sunderland missed out on.
From Premier League winners to international stars, here are some high-profile players who have been on the club’’s radar:
From Premier League winners to international stars, here are some high-profile players who have been on the club’’s radar:
13. Joe Hart
While former Sunderland boss David Moyes says the club could have signed the former England keeper in 2016 (instead backing academy graduate Jordan Pickford), Hart has said he elected to turn down the Black Cats rather than the other way round. Photo: OLI SCARFF
Back in 2010 Sunderland sent their then-chief scout Ricky Sbragia to watch a young Suarez, then 23, at Ajax. The Black Cats were looking for a strike partner for Darren Bent but instead signed Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan following the 2010 World Cup. Suarez signed for Liverpool the following year. Photo: John Powell
The American stopper came close to moving to the Premier League a couple of times but had his applications for work permits rejected, while a move to Wearside broke down in 1995. He finally joined Liverpool in 1997, before playing for Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham. Photo: Brian Kersey
Sunderland were given permission to talk to the Republic of Ireland striker in 2002 after agreeing a fee with Leeds. The move didn’t materialise, though, as the young striker joined Tottenham that summer. Photo: Paul Gilham