Revealed! Sunderland fans urge transfer chiefs to prioritise these players and this position in summer window

The latest results from our Big SAFC Survey reveal the transfer priorities for the Sunderland fanbase, who have also been less than impressed with the recent recruitment at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland once again find themselves on the verge of a major summer overhaul as the Black Cats look to get out of the third tier at the fourth time of asking.

Defeat to Lincoln City in the League One play-off semi-final condemned the Black Cats to another season at this level.

And fans have urged the recruitment team to prioritise the midfield for improvement.

Sunderland recently announced their retained list with Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Josh Scowen all departing this summer.

We asked readers which area of the squad needed to be strengthened the most?

Fans were clear, central midfield won 43.4% of the vote with central defence second with 20.3%. Sunderland are to offer fresh terms to 31-goal striker Charlie Wyke but there remains increasing doubt over his future.

In total, 14.9% of fans that responded to the Echo’s Big SAFC Survey wanted the club to prioritise bolstering their attacking options this summer.

Over 50% also wanted to see pace added to the side, with 28.6% of readers urging for young, hungry players to be signed when asked what should the transfer priority be this summer.

Fans were also less than impressed with the transfer business during the winter window, with 45.9% describing it as poor and just 32.3% described themselves as content. 9.5% described it as very poor and just 11.1% as good.

As revealed yesterday, fans want to see upwards of £3million spent on improving the squad this summer.

However, supporters have already been warned that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will be measured in his spending and head coach Lee Johnson has already said that he expects to be operating on a slightly reduced playing budget.

The club still has some significant earners and a wage bill massive for the level (£14,504,000 for the 2019/20 season).

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor