Building the Sunderland AFC 2020/21 squad: League Two hotshot targeted as three forwards allowed to leave

In a new series, we build our ideal Sunderland AFC squad for the 2020/21 season - looking at who should be released, retained and signed.
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Having already looked at the goalkeeping department, the back five and the central midfield area, we now move on to the frontline - where Parkinson will be keen to add some extra firepower.

Here’s where Sunderland stand, where they may need to strengthen and the key decisions facing Parkinson in the coming weeks.

CERTAIN TO STAY

Building the Sunderland AFC 2020/21 squad - we take a look at the forwardsBuilding the Sunderland AFC 2020/21 squad - we take a look at the forwards
Building the Sunderland AFC 2020/21 squad - we take a look at the forwards
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A number of players in the forward areas remain under contract for next season, most prominently Lynden Gooch.

The Californian has proven himself a key cog in Parkinson’s new-look system and has contributed a number of vital goals and assists since the turn of the year.

He remains under contract until the summer of 2021 and, while it would be no surprise to see clubs enquiring about his availability this summer - Middlesbrough have already been linked - the Black Cats are under no real pressure to sell.

While Gooch has occupied one of the roles behind the striker, the other has generally been filled by Chris Maguire.

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The 31-year-old is out of contract this summer, but it’s understood that Sunderland have an option to extend his current deal by a year. Given his form of late - and the fact he has worked exceptionally hard on his fitness in a bid to prove himself to Parkinson - it looks likely that such a clause will be activated, if it hasn’t been already.

Also under contract for next season is Elliot Embleton, who has missed large chunks of this campaign through injury.

But he is a player that Parkinson rates, with the Sunderland boss having frequently spoken of how he felt that Embleton could provide ‘a moment’ before the season’s end.

He will likely be a key part of the first-team picture next season.

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Moving into the lone striker role, Charlie Wyke has been Parkinson’s preferred option and remains under contract for next season.

THE QUESTION MARKS

While Will Grigg doesn’t see his Sunderland contract expire this summer, there will still be question marks over his future.

Having fallen down the pecking order under Parkinson, there was heavy interest in the Northern Irish international in January - with Shrewsbury, Swindon and Salford among the clubs interested.

Sunderland were unwilling to allow Grigg to join a League One rival, while the striker himself was reported to have turned down the chance to move to League Two.

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There will no doubt be clubs sniffing around the striker this summer, knowing only too well how a fully-firing Grigg could prove an asset.

But that is no doubt a thought that Parkinson will have in the back of his mind too. It looks to be an intriguing summer as far as the 28-year-old is concerned.

More pressing matters come in the form of Kyle Lafferty, Benji Kimpioka, Duncan Watmore and Antoine Semenyo - whose contracts and loan deals expire this summer.

Lafferty was starting to impress before the League One campaign was paused and has spoken of his desire to stay on Wearside beyond his current short-term deal.

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Semenyo, meanwhile, has shown glimpses of the pace and power that persuaded Parkinson to bring the Bristol City youngster to the Stadium of Light.

It would be no surprise to see the Black Cats make attempts to extend the duo’s stays on Wearside moving into next season.

Bigger question marks fall over Watmore and Kimpioka. The former has found opportunities limited, despite saying he feels as fit as he has done in several years.

While Watmore’s ability and commitment to the club cannot be faulted, you cannot help but feel that an exit may suit all parties.

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Kimpioka, meanwhile, is yet to put pen to paper on the deal that was presented to him by the club last year and his future looks uncertain.

Then there is Aiden McGeady. Currently on loan at Charlton, the wideman looks to have no future at the Stadium of Light under Parkinson. It’s likely a permanent exit will be sought this summer.

DIP INTO THE MARKET?

Fans will expect that Sunderland make moves in the forward areas this summer - particularly given their lack of a prolific goalscorer this term.

There are a number of options that could be available to Parkinson in the summer, both as an out-and-out striker and to rival Maguire and Gooch in those attacking midfield positions.

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Jacques Maghoma is set to depart Birmingham City this summer and would prove an interesting option - particularly given his experience of League One and knack of scoring vital goals.

If we look further down the pyramid, Bez Lubala has been catching the eye at Crawley Town and could be ready for the step-up to League One, although Championship clubs are believed to be courting his signature.

One player certain to attract League One interest this summer is Swindon’s Eoin Doyle, who has netted 23 times in 23 games this term.

He’s played in League One three times before and has never failed to score fewer than 10 goals in a season, suggesting he could be worth a punt.

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Another interesting option is that of Jack Diamond - who is set to return to Sunderland this summer after his loan spell at Harrogate Town.

He’s caught the eye in the National League, but whether he is ready for the step-up to League One is another question.

Indeed, another loan move may prove the best option. A number of clubs, including Harrogate and Carlisle United, are monitoring his situation ahead of the new campaign.

OUR FINAL VERDICT

Retain - Lynden Gooch, Chris Maguire, Elliot Embleton, Antoine Semenyo, Charlie Wyke, Kyle Lafferty, WIll Grigg. This is, on paper at least, a strong base to which to build from. There is no doubt that Sunderland will need to add to their forward line, but this offers Parkinson some continuity.

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Release - Duncan Watmore, Benji Kimpioka, Aiden McGeady. A departure for Watmore could suit both parties, while Kimpioka’s stalling over a new deal could mean he could walk free. McGeady is also likely to depart, although he still has a year remaining on his contract.

New signings - Given the departures, Sunderland will need at least two new faces - one player to play behind the strikers, and another proven goalscorer to lead the line. We’d target Jacques Maghoma and Eoin Doyle.

OUR 25-MAN SQUAD SO FAR:

Goalkeepers: Jon McLaughlin, Lee Burge

Defenders: Conor McLaughlin, Luke O’Nien, Jordan Willis, Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan, New Signing 1 (CB - Sean Raggett), New Signing 2 (CB - Chey Dunkley), Denver Hume New Signing 3 (LWB - Luke Garbutt)

Midfielders: Max Power, George Dobson, Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter, New Signing 4 (CM - Tom Lowery)

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Forwards: Chris Maguire, Lynden Gooch, Elliot Embleton, Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg, Kyle Lafferty, Antoine Semenyo, New Signing 5 (AM - Jacques Maghoma) New Signing 6 (ST - Eoin Doyle

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Would you make more sweeping changes ahead of next season?We’d love to hear your thoughts - either tweet them to @sunechosafc or email [email protected].