But how many opportunities did the Black Cats give to their promising talents last season?
The experts at Prospect Watch have worked out exactly how many minutes Sunderland fielded players aged 23 and under for last season in League One fixtures, and how it compares to the rest of the league.
Scroll down to see where Sunderland rank:
1. KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: MK Dons press forward during the Carabao Cup First Round match between AFC Wimbledon and Milton Keynes at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 13, 2019 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Minutes given to players aged 23 and younger in League One last season: 18,636 Photo: Warren Little
2. Accrington Stanley
Minutes given to players aged 23 and younger in League One last season: 17,343 Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. Rotherham United
Minutes given to players aged 23 and younger in League One last season: 15,642 Photo: George Wood
4. Coventry City
Minutes given to players aged 23 and younger in League One last season: 15,389 Photo: Linnea Rheborg