5 players Sunderland could target in cut-price deals during the summer transfer window
Sunderland will hope to boost their squad during the summer transfer window as they prepare to compete in the Europa League.
The summer transfer window will open for business over the next week and there is plenty of work ahead for Sunderland as they prepare for one of the most exciting seasons in their recent history.
Regis Le Bris’ side surpassed all expectations when a 2-1 home win against Chelsea secured a seventh placed finish in the Premier League table and ensured the Black Cats will compete alongside the likes of Juventus and AC Milan in next season’s Europa League.
Sunderland are guaranteed at least eight additional games to their already busy fixture schedule as they take their place in the league phase of the competition - and that means there is a need to boost Le Bris’ ranks to allow the former Lorient head coach to rotate and manage his squad effectively throughout the campaign.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
The Black Cats have already been linked with several players from across the Premier League and abroad - and there are some intriguing options potentially available as they prepare to enter the final 12 months of their contracts with their current clubs this summer. We have identified five that could be available in cut-price deals before the summer trading comes to an end in September.
Five players Sunderland could target in the final 12 months of their current contracts
Curtis Jones - Liverpool
Another ambitious move - but one that would make sense for player and club. Jones struggled for game-time throughout last season and although he made 49 appearances in all competitions, just over half came as part of the starting line-up. The six-times capped England international will hope for more regular starts next season as he looks to boost his international prospects - but he could be allowed to move on as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal at Anfield. Clever on the ball, hardworking and versatile, he could prove a shrewd addition for Sunderland at the right price.
Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough
The Middlesbrough captain has been linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs over the last year and there were reports Nottingham Forest made a firm move for his services during the final days of the January transfer window. The likes of Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked with Hackney in recent windows. A dynamic midfielder, the Redcar-born star seems ready to step up to the Premier League - although there would surely be several competitors for his signature.
Mario Gila - Lazio
Another player tentatively linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, Gila has impressed at centre-back throughout his four-year spell with Lazio. After joining from Real Madrid during the summer of 2022, the Spanish defender has gone on to make 120 appearances for the Serie A club and has featured in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League during that time. That experience could prove crucial as Sunderland prepare to enter European competition during the new season.
Noah Atabolu - Freiburg
Robin Roefs has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light in recent weeks after the Netherlands international enjoyed a stellar first season on Wearside. After arriving with a reputation as a promising goalkeeper, Roefs has established himself as one of the most consistent stoppers in the Premier League and only a mammoth bid would tempt the Black Cats into an unwanted sale. However, should they look for a contingency plan, a move for Freiburg star Noah Atabolu could prove equally as shrewd. The 22-times capped Germany Under-21 international has already made over 120 senior appearances for the Bundesliga club and is expected to make the step up to the senior international stage in the near future.
Thiago Pitarch - Real Madrid
Reports earlier this year suggested Sunderland have an interest in the Real Madrid youngster and maintain a positive relationship with the La Liga giants. The Spanish youth international has made 16 senior appearances this season and appeared against the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the Champions League during the campaign. Pitarch will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer and although there have been suggestions Real are working on an agreement, there has been no announcement over a new contract. What impact the expected arrival of Jose Mourinho has on his future remains to be seen.
Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland transfers: This is when Florent Ghisolfi can start making signings this summer