Sunderland’s Championship campaign ended in a disappointing 16th-placed finish, meaning the club faces a significant summer rebuild as it prepares to appoint a new head coach.
The squad changed considerably from that which beaten Luton Town at home in the first leg of the play-off semi final at the Stadium of Light one year ago today, with some key figures departing and the club committing even more significantly to it’s youth policy. So what did we learn about the club’s strategy over the course of the last two transfer windows, what worked out and what mistakes were made? We rated every single major transfer decision sanctioned by Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland to address what needs to change in the summer ahead...
17. NAZARIY RUSYN - SIGNED FROM ZORYA LUHANSK
There were some high moments over the course of the campaign and his work ethic/pressing means you can see why Sunderland thought he’d be a good option and a neat fit with the club. Circumstance and bad luck played a part in it being a tougher acclimatisation period than hope, with some visa issues for Rusyn’s family that took to solve. The language barrier also proved to be an issue for all three head coaches - though Mike Dodds says that situation is now improving significantly. Decision rated: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
18. MASON BURSTOW - LOANED FROM CHELSEA
Hard to pin much of the blame on Burstow, a young player with little senior experience whose confidence looked to be hit when he didn’t get on the scoresheet early. He did play a part in a good winning run under Tony Mowbray, but as a loan addition he was the one tasked first and foremost with impacting the team this season. That didn’t happen over the season and so it has to be considered one of the most costly deals in the final analysis. Decision rated: 3/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
19. TIMOTHEE PEMBELE - SIGNED FROM PSG
Solid performances against Leeds and West Brom offered promise at the end of a disappointing first campaign, when injury significantly curtailed his progress. Remains to be seen whether he can push Trai Hume next season - will take a big pre-season campaign. Decision rated: 4.5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
20. ADIL AOUCHICHE - SUNDERLAND ECHO
Worked his way into the team on a more consistent basis through the second half of the season and looks well placed to push for a regular spot in pre-season. The question will be if he can turn what is very obvious talent into goals and assists more frequently. Not quite the season he’d have been hoping for but at the same time, you can see the promise. Decision rated: 5.5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid