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:
Here, we take a look at EVERY player linked with Sunderland during the summer so far as clubs prepare for the window to open:
5. Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham has now signed for Sunderland from Birmingham City. Photo: Cameron Smith
6. Daniel Iversen
Sunderland have been linked with Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen quite a few times during recent windows. However, the Foxes have just been relegated to the Championship from the Premier League and Anthony Patterson remains Sunderland's number-one stopper. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
7. Charlie Cresswell
The defender, who spent last season on loan at Millwall, has been a long-term target of Sunderland's. However, the England youth international's parent club Leeds United have just suffered relegation from the Premier League which will likely signal an opportunity for Cresswell at Elland Road. Photo: Warren Little
8. Liam Cullen
Celtic, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are said to be tracking the 24-year-old attacker ahead of a move when the transfer window opens. Photo: Dan Istitene