Sunderland finished the season in 16th position with the club’s recruitment team aiming to add to the squad this summer.
And with the club moving in on Regis Le Bris as the new head coach, we take a closer look at what his summer squad could look like. Sunderland have finally confirmed one new signing, former Coventry City and Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore has signed a two-year deal to join the Black Cats, with the club holding the option a further year.
For fun and following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true – including several potential new signings!
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
Patterson has started 91 of Sunderland's 92 games in the league since promotion to the Championship and signed a new contract at the club last year - despite interest from Premier League clubs. The 23-year-old has talked about his pride in playing for his boyhood team. The local lad is not expected to leave this summer unless a monster bid arrives | Getty Images
2. RB: Trai Hume
After a breakthrough 2022-23 season, Hume, 22, signed a contract extension at Sunderland in June last year, with his deal now running until the summer of 2027. Photo: Frank Reid
3. LB: Dennis Cirkin
The former Tottenham left-back is a hugely important player for Sunderland when fit. Unfortunately, Cirkin spent much of last season injured but has started the current campaign extremely well. | Frank Reid
4. CB: Chris Mepham
The central defender is believed to be close to concluding a deal to join Sunderland. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images