In the meantime, record numbers of football fans have been taking to Football Manager to get their fix. For a bit of fun, we've fired up the popular management sim and sent the game into the future, to have a peek at who the Black Cats are predicted to sign over the next two transfer windows.
1. Gateano Berardi - Leeds United - Free transfer
To kick things off, we started afresh and simmed from the start of the season 2019/20...and Sunderland got promoted! Their first 2020 summer signing has bags of Championship experience. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
2. Sam McQueen - Sunderland - £2 million
The Black Cats splash the cash to land the Southampton left-back, who is desperate to finally get some first-team football. He was previously on loan at Middlesbrough. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
3. Levi Lumeka - Crystal Palace - Free transfer
Palace let their agile winger go in the summer, and Sunderland have swooped in to secure the free agent. He brimming with flair, and is a formidable dribbler, too. He'll be a hit!(Photo credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: AFP Contributor
4. Kieran Dowell - Everton - £1.1 million
The Black Cats board open the cheque book again, despite not selling any players. The attacking midfielder has bags of experience with England's youth sides. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS