All of the key Sunderland AFC transfer links rated ahead of their Championship return
Sunderland fans are eagerly waiting to see who the club might recruit this summer as they prepare for their long-awaited return to the Championship.
By Phil Smith
Published 18th Jun 2022, 09:11 BST
Updated 18th Jun 2022, 09:40 BST
They’re also equally eager to see if the club can stand firm in the face of what is sure to be significant interest in some of their key assets, with striker Ross Stewart’s future quickly emerging as one of the summer’s main storylines.
It will be a busy summer, too, with loanees returning to their parent clubs and leaving a number of gaps that will need to be filled well.
The Black Cats are yet to make a signing for their senior squad, with players returning for pre-season training next Wednesday.
So who has been linked with making a switch to or from Wearside, what does it tell us about the club’s plans and just how likely are they to happen?
We run you through all the key links and assess them here..
The Black Cats are yet to make a signing for their senior squad, with players returning for pre-season training next Wednesday.
5. JOBE BELLINGHAM
The Daily Mail reported during the play-off campaign that Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, had been a guest at the Stadium of Light. Bellingham has close links with Sporting Director Krisjtaan Speakman, hence why the Black Cats may feel they can explore a deal. If Bellingham was available, then the queue for his signature would be vast. Just about every Premier League team, and many of Europe’s biggest clubs, would want their say. VERDICT: It would be a major coup, and then some, if it was to come off. Seems unlikely at this stage. Photo: Marc Atkins
Murphy is well known to Alex Neil and now a free agent, he fits the model of many of Sunderland’s recent signings. His talent and past pedigree is clear, but in recent times he struggled to make an impact at Cardiff City following a big-money move. It’s the kind of calculated risk the Black Cats have taken in the past, that they can get a player back up to speed and form. Sunderland will definitely recruit in this part of the pitch, but to what extent will depend on what happens with Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke. Sunderland have offered a new deal to the former, and will likely hold talks over what Spurs would like to do with the latter. VERDICT: Available on a free, has to be one to watch. Sunderland will spend this summer but not vastly, so they will look for potential bargains like this. Photo: Alex Burstow
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has made very clear that Sunderland would hold talks with Everton to see what their plans were for Broadhead. He has a year left on his deal at Goodison Park, so the two obvious paths are to sign a new deal before potentially going back out on loan, or to move permanently. In either scenario, the Black Cats will want to be at the head of the queue. VERDICT: A strong option Sunderland will be determined to pursue. Photo: Frank Reid
Swansea City have an interest in the versatile American, who ended the campaign in superb form. Sunderland have been in talks with the 26-year-old over a new deal to extend his ten-year stay at the club even further. VERDICT: Sunderland will hope that their promotion and the regular minutes Gooch got under Neil, albeit in what is far from his preferred position, will see him sign up again. Photo: FRANK REID 2022