The Black Cats were immediately looking to strengthen following their promotion from League One, as several players weren’t offered new deals following the end of their contracts.
Sunderland also had a handful of loan players during the 2021/22 season who then returned to their parent clubs.
We’ve taken a closer look at what happened to the players who left Wearside at the end of the last campaign.
9. Jack Diamond - Lincoln (loan)
After proving himself in League Two while on loan at Harrogate last season, Diamond has made an immediate impact at Lincoln in League One. In his three league starts for The Imps the 22-year-old has scored four goals, including a hat-trick against Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers in a 6-3 win. Photo: Frank Reid
10. Carl Winchester - Shrewsbury (loan)
Winchester predominantly played as a right-sided defender at Sunderland during the 2021/22 campaign but has been moved back into a central midfield role at Shrewsbury. The 29-year-old has featured four times in League One for The Shrews, making two appearances off the bench before back-to-back starts. Sunderland have an option to recall Winchester in January. Photo: Frank Reid