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.
13. Romain Bregerie - Colorado - Free
We leave you on January Deadline Day 2021, and there's some late drama for Sunderland. The experienced defender has played top tier football in Germany and France, and is ready for a final challenge. (Photo credit: CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: CHRISTOF STACHE