10 potential cut-price moves Sunderland could consider amid contract uncertainty

Thoughts are quickly turning towards the January transfer window as Sunderland look to move on from what has been a challenging start to the season.

The Black Cats added the likes of Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie to their Europa League-bound squad during the summer and there are high hopes both players can make an impact and move Regis Le Bris’ side away from the Premier League relegation zone. The struggles during the first three months of the season have played extra emphasis on possible deals during the January window - and Sunderland could look to take advantage of the contract situations with potential targets and land cut-price agreements in the first month of the new year. The Echo assesses ten potential options that could go under consideration.

10 players facing contract decisions Sunderland could target

Arthur Avom - Lorient

A player linked with the Black Cats over the last 12 months, Avom has impressed with Regis Le Bris’ former club Lorient over the last three seasons after progressing into their first team setup during their successful push for promotion into Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season. His ability to function in a number of different roles in midfield could be useful.

Oumar Solet - Udinese

The centre-back played for Lyon and RB Salzburg prior to his move to Serie A club Udinese in January 2025 and he has produced some impressive displays in Italian football’s top tier. He has struggled with injuries this season and his absence has been felt as his club have claimed just one win in 11 league games. The defender is believed to be capturing attention from a number of clubs around Europe and could be a shrewd addition.

Dodo - Fiorentina

The Brazilian full-back has made a big impact during his time in Serie A and there have been reports suggesting several Premier League clubs have shown an interest in securing his services as he approaches the final six months of his current deal. Although he has been in and out of the Fiorentina side this season, Dodo remains in demand as a key decision over his future lies in wait.

Frank Anguissa - Napoli

Another player linked with a move to Sunderland in recent months, Anguissa has enjoyed a successful spell in Serie A with Napoli and has invaluable Premier League experience after spending time with Fulham prior to his move to Italy. An all-action midfielder, Anguissa will have interest from elsewhere when the new year arrives.

Joe Gomez - Liverpool

Gomez’s situation is a strange one. An England international as recently as 2024 and part of the Three Lions squad that reached the final of the European Championships in the same year, the versatile defender has made just eight appearances this season and only three came as part of a Liverpool starting line-up. With his ability to play at right back and centre back, the 29-year-old could be a handy pickup in the new year.

Lorenzo Pellegrini - Roma

This would admittedly be an ambitious move after the 36-times capped Italy international made himself a firm favourite with Roma over the last decade. With over 350 appearances to his name and a Europa Conference League winners medal in his pocket, Pellegrini has become essential to the Roma side - although he is still facing a major call over his future.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta - Crystal Palace

Another ambitious move, Mateta has become a prominent figure at Palace as they won the FA Cup and Europa Conference League during his time at Selhurst Park. There is no doubt the seven-times capped France international will have some very high-profile suitors if he opts against extending his time with the Eagles - but imagine the chaos he and Brian Brobbey could cause for opposition defenders!

Kaoru Mitoma - Brighton and Hove Albion

Injuries have hampered Mitoma’s attempts to build on a spell of form that made him one of the most consistent wingers in the Premier League. A return of 27 goals and 21 assists in 135 appearances for the Seagulls doesn’t tell the full story of the impact made by the Japan international since he moved to the Amex Stadium in August 2021. Little is known of what could lie ahead for his future - but if he was to be available, Sunderland would have to see off major competition for his services to hand a major boost to their options in wide areas.

Ryan Sessegnon - Fulham

A versatile option, Sessegnon has overcome something of an injury nightmare to work his way back into the Cottagers squad in recent seasons. The former England Under-21 international is able to play down the left-hand side and would bring further Premier League experience after making over 120 appearances in English football’s top tier during his time with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

Leopold Querfeld - Union Berlin

An unproven quantity when it comes to Premier League football - but it would not be the first time Sunderland have looked outside of England for potential signings. The five-times capped Austria international defender is a useful presence in both boxes after scoring ten goals and providing three assists in 68 appearances since he joined Union Berlin from Rapid Vienna in 2024 and could help provide a solid presence at the heart of the back four. At 22, he also has room to improve and grow.

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