For a bit of fun, we've used the latest edition of Football Manager to travel five years into the future, and taken a look at how Sunderland's side shapes up. This is how the management simulator predicts the Black Cats will be lining up in January 2026.
5. LWB: Matt Penney
FM predicted that the versatile defender would join the Black Cats in the summer of 2021. He's played week in, week out since arriving, and has his shooting from range has proved a potent weapon. Photo: George Wood
6. RWB: Jacob Murphy
The former Newcastle United man controversially joined Sunderland in 2024. An injury-hit first season saw him feature sparingly, but he's come alive this season in the wing-back position. Photo: Pool
7. CM: David Kasumu
Since arriving in 2023, he's been on fire, contributing assists in double figures two seasons on the trot, and banging in the goals in the current campaign. Prior to the move, he starred for MK Dons. Photo: Pete Norton
8. CM: Max Power
Five years on, Power is still at the club, and has become a real goal threat in recent times - he netted eleven times in the 2022/23 season. Photo: Lewis Storey