The Black Cats now know that they will be playing in the Championship once more after losing in the play-off semi-finals over two legs to eventual promotion-winners Luton Town.
Since their fate was sealed, transfer rumours have started to swirl with Sunderland linked with several players and said to be making good progress on incoming deals during the summer.
Here, we take a look at EVERY player linked with Sunderland during the summer so far as clubs prepare for the window to open:
1. Will Smallbone
Southampton's former Stoke City loanee Will Smallbone's name has also been mentioned in conjunction with Sunderland once more with the Black Cats rumoured to be keen on the midfielder under Alex Neil last summer. Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel
The 25-year-old Nigeria international is reportedly the subject of interest from Sunderland, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Photo: Adam Nurkiewicz
3. Luis "Hemir" Semedo
Sunderland have now signed the 19-year-old Portugal youth international on a five-year contract Photo: EITAN ABRAMOVICH
4. Dion Sanderson
Sunderland have been linked with ex-loanee Dion Sanderson after it was revealed that the defender could leave Wolves on a permanent basis this summer. Sanderson made 27 appearances for the Black Cats during the 2020-21 season while on loan from Wolves. The Black Cats were interested in bringing Sanderson back to the Stadium of Light and are thought to have approaches rejected due to their League One status at the time. Photo: Cameron Smith