How many signings do Sunderland need? Assessing the summer overhaul after two more first-team departures

With Kyle Lafferty having been released, and Bali Mumba edging closer to the exit door, Sunderland’s squad for the 2020/21 campaign is showing a concerning lack of depth.

The squad could look even thinner in the coming days when we discover more of the club’s decisions over their out-of-contract players, leaving Parkinson with a large rebuilding job on his hands.

Here, we cast our eye over each department of the squad and estimate just how many signings the Sunderland boss may require this summer:

Goalkeepers

Under contract for 2020/21: Lee Burge

Future uncertain: Jon McLaughlin

This is one of the more pressing departments that Parkinson will have to address. It now seems nearly inevitable that Jon McLaughlin will depart with Blackburn Rovers a likely destination - meaning that Sunderland will be in the market for another senior goalkeeper.

The big question will be whether a new number one is recruited, or whether Lee Burge is given the nod to start the 2020/21 season between the sticks.

Ben Alnwick, James Hillson and Matija Sarkic have been linked with the Stadium of Light in recent weeks, and it’s highly likely that Parkinson will need to recruit in this department - unless the McLaughlin impasse can be breached.

New signings needed in this department: 1

Defenders

Under contract for 2020/21: Jordan Willis, Luke O’Nien, Denver Hume, Conor McLaughlin

Future uncertain: Alim Ozturk, Tom Flanagan, Joel Lynch, Jack Baldwin

Sunderland’s defensive unit looks set to undergo some real change this summer, with only a handful of players remaining under contract.

Parkinson has favoured a back three since his arrival on Wearside but, as things stand, Jordan Willis is the only natural centre back under contract for next season.

Alim Ozturk and Tom Flanagan will be hopeful of securing new deals, but it would be little surprise if Joel Lynch and Jack Baldwin were to follow Tommy Smith out the exit door.

The Black Cats, therefore, will likely be in the market for at least two additional options at centre back - one of whom could be Bailey Wright, with Sunderland expected to pursue a permanent deal for the Australian once he is released by Bristol City.

A new left-sided defender is also a priority, as Denver Hume is the club’s only option in that department. Laurens De Bock and Declan John failed to provide competition for Hume in this area over the course of the last twelve months, so recruitment will need to improve on this front over the summer.

New signings needed in this department: 3

Midfielders

Under contract for 2020/21: Max Power, George Dobson, Grant Leadbitter

Future uncertain: Ethan Robson, Josh Scowen

This is one area where little change may be made.

With Max Power, George Dobson and Grant Leadbitter all under contract for next season, Sunderland’s midfield is already fairly well-stocked.

Josh Scowen’s future remains uncertain, with no official confirmation over whether he will stay a Sunderland player. Ethan Robson, meanwhile, will be keen to receive guarantees of first-team football if he is to remain at the Stadium of Light. The academy graduate is reaching a crucial juncture in his career and regular senior outings are must if he is to progress. The current market may well convince Sunderland to put some faith in the 23-year-old.

You would imagine that Parkinson would be keen to keep at least one of the out-of-contract duo - meaning he may only need to dip into the market for one extra midfield option.

New signings needed in this department: 1

Forwards

Under contract for 2020/21: Lynden Gooch, Chris Maguire, Elliot Embleton, Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg, Aiden McGeady

Future uncertain: Duncan Watmore, Benji Kimpioka

While a number of forward players remain under contract for next season, there are doubts over a number of them.

Aiden McGeady is set to return to the Academy of Light once his loan spell at Charlton Athletic expires but, unless there has been a stark u-turn, is unlikely to form part of Phil Parkinson’s plans.

Sunderland will undoubtedly listen to offers for the former Celtic man, while Will Grigg is another who may be allowed to move on should a suitable offer be received.

The striker attracted interest from a host of League One clubs in January and will no doubt have his suitors again this summer - but again, finances may come into play given the current market and Sunderland would likely to have to be willing to take a hit on the fee they shelled out to Wigan Athletic little over a year.

Meanwhile, Duncan Watmore seems unlikely to have his contract extended while talks with Benji Kimpioka look far away from a positive resolution.

It could be a big season for Elliot Embleton who, after an injury-ravaged 2019/20, will relish an opportunity to show what he could bring to the table.

But Sunderland will certainly need to strengthen their attacking options. At least one, if not two, central strikers will be required with concerns over where a constant stream of goals will come from.

Another attacking midfielder, to play in the hole behind the striker, would not go amiss either.

New signings needed in this department: 3