While the club’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has said the club will have a competitive budget in the Championship, he also warned that a period of transition will be inevitable.
Sunderland will therefore be on the lookout for potential bargains, with several players at various clubs nearing the end of their contracts.
Last summer the Black Cats were able to sign Alex Pritchard and Corry Evans after they were released by Huddersfield and Blackburn respectively.
Here are some players whose contracts are set to end this summer and who Sunderland could look at.
Last summer the Black Cats were able to sign Alex Pritchard and Corry Evans after they were released by Huddersfield and Blackburn respectively.