How Sunderland's starting XI would look with only players over the age of 23

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 22: A Sunderland fan celebrates after the first Sunderland goal during the Sky Bet League One Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Sunderland and Lincoln City at Stadium of Light on May 22, 2021 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Sunderland made nine new signings over the summer as they look to finally return to the Championship – and only two of them were over the age of 23.

A brilliant window saw the Black Cats bring in the likes of Callum Doyle, Dennis Cirkin and the German duo of Leon Dajaku and Ron-Thorben Hoffman.

Lee Johnson had adopted a youthful approach ahead of the 2021-22 season after years of bringing in players based on their experience such as previous signings in Joel Lynch, Laurens De Bock and Josh Scowen.

Lee Burge was Sunderland's first choice keeper last season but has been dislodged from his spot following the loan signing of Ron-Thorben Hoffman from Bayern Munich. The 28-year-old will struggle to get back into the Black Cats' starting XI and has only featured once in the Carabao Cup since the German's arrival.

The Black Cats new-look very young starting XI have been brilliant for them this season and has so far proven to be the correct decision.

So, if Sunderland were to get rid of all of their players that are aged 23 and under, how would the starting XI look? Would they still have a chance of winning the league? We take a look...