Sunderland have had a renewed focus on signing young prospects from across the globe with players like Jewison Bennette joining the set-up on Wearside. With the World Cup on the horizon, Sunderland may use this tournament to scout some stars of the future as they continue their aim of exploiting the South American market.
But which youngsters could impress this winter? And should Sunderland look to sign any of these stars for the future should they excel in Qatar?
With that in mind, here, we take a look at some players that Sunderland could look to sign following the tournament - and four that Black Cats fans may want to track their progress during the showpiece event, despite there being little hope of them ending up on Wearside.
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. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus looks on from the directors box during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi Final 1st Leg match between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday at Stadium of Light on May 06, 2022 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Here are seven young World Cup stars Sunderland could look to sign - and four they won’t (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster

. Jeremy Sarmiento (Ecuador)
Sarmiento plays as an attacking midfielder for Brighton and Hove Albion and has made just three first-team appearances this season - grabbing an assist in the Seagulls’ Carabao Cup win over Arsenal. The 20-year-old moved to the Premier League from Benfica last summer and with Brighton’s fantastic record in the transfer market, Sarmiento would certainly be one to watch at the World Cup. Photo: ALBERTO VALDES

. Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
If Sunderland supporters wanted to track Sarmiento’s progress during the tournament, then they might want to keep one eye on his club and country teammate Caicedo. The all-action yet stylish midfielder has been one of the breakout stars of this Premier League season and has been linked with moves to some of European football’s biggest clubs. Photo: Alex Grimm

5. Ronald Araujo (Uruguay)
World Cups often allow some younger players to burst onto the scene and make a major statement for their future career - one of those could be Barcelona defender Araujo. Uruguay have an ageing defence with Diego Godin, Martin Caceres and former Sunderland man Sebastien Coates all above the age of 30 heading to Qatar. At 23, Araujo is tipped to be a star of the future and could excel if given the opportunity. Photo: Pool

6. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
Sarr joined Tottenham Hotspur for £15million in 2021 before being loaned back to Metz for the duration of last season. The midfielder is yet to make a first-team appearance for Spurs this season but could be someone that is allowed to leave north London on a temporary basis in January to get exposure to English football. Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT

7. Gio Reyna (USA)
Born in the north east, it would be a great story to see Reyna feature for the team his father Claudio was playing for at the time of his birth. However, Reyna’s form at Borussia Dortmund means some of the continent’s biggest teams have been linked with a move for the USA international. Transfermarkt currently value Reyna at £35million. Photo: Aitor Alcalde

8. Josh Sargent (USA)
The USA’s hopes of success in Qatar will undoubtedly rest on the shoulders of captain Christian Pulisic. However, one man who is entering the tournament in great form is Norwich City striker Sargent. The 22-year-old has eight goals so far this season, including his winner against the Black Cats back in August. After struggling in his debut campaign in England, Sargent’s confidence is high and is someone that can clearly score goals at Championship level. Photo: Lars Baron