Black Cats Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has said the club are unlikely to look at the free agent market after missing out on a couple of deals on deadline day.
Still, there are gaps in the Sunderland squad that could be addressed following injury setbacks in some areas.
Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin both appear to have suffered lengthy injury setbacks, while defender Danial Ballard will be sidelined for the next few months with a fractured foot.
There are also a lack of options to replace captain Corry Evans in the holding midfield role.
Here are nine free agents that Championship clubs could still sign.
Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin both appear to have suffered lengthy injury setbacks, while defender Danial Ballard will be sidelined for the next few months with a fractured foot.
5. Thomas Agyepong (forward)
A Ghana international who has often played as a wide forward but also played through the middle. The 25-year-old has just left Manchester City after seven years at the club and several loan spells, most recently at Belgian second-tier side Lommel. Photo: KURT DESPLENTER
6. Danny Rose (left-back)
The former England international was loosely linked with a return to Sunderland on deadline day, yet a move always looked unlikely. Another second-tier club may be interested though. Photo: Richard Heathcote
7. Dale Stephens (centre midfield)
A former Championship promotion winner with Brighton who has struggled for game time since moving to Burnley in 2020. The 33-year-old made three Premier League appearances for The Clarets last season. Photo: James Gill
8. Souleymane Doukara (forward)
Following a three-year spell at Leeds between 2014 and 2017, the 30-year-old has mostly played in Turkey and left Super Lig Giresunspor at the end of last season. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS