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...
21. ELLIOT EMBLETON - LOANED TO DERBY COUNTY
Looked a good call to help him rebuild his match fitness at a big club and in a good team. Just terrible luck with injury - here’s hoping for better fortune from the summer onwards. Decision rated: 6/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
22. ALEX PRITCHARD - SOLD TO BIRMINGHAM CITY
Made sense to cash in when Pritchard made clear that he would next accept the offer of a year-long extension to the terms of his current deal. It’s ultimately one that hasn’t worked out for anyone yet - Pritchard has struggled to make an impact at now relegated Birmingham and Sunderland most definitely missed his experience and technical quality in the final months of the campaign. It will be interesting to revisit this one in a year: Will Sunderland have found a player in this position who will justify not awarding him a more lucrative and most significantly, a longer deal? Decision rated: 5/10 Photo: Frank Reid
23. LEO HJELDE - SIGNED FROM LEEDS UNITED
Initially looked like a decent option to address Sunderland’s lack of depth on the left side of defence amid a lot of injury issues. Struggled to stay in the team and wasn’t really in the picture by the end of it. Prefers playing in central defence so key will be whether he can show the technical quality in pre-season to push for a place in this side. Was a decent investment on club’s part, so one they’ll be keen to make work. Decision rated: 4.5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
24. ROMAINE MUNDLE - SIGNED FROM STANDARD LIEGE
Too early really to make any judgement on this one. A long-term target who Sunderland moved quickly to sign when he unexpectedly became available on a permanent basis. Showed talent but yet to impact the team considerably. Decision rated: 6/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid