Last summer the Black Cats predominantly tried to sign younger players, either on loan or permanently, to fit into Lee Johnson’s side.
Johnson was also in charge for most of the January transfer window, although the club made a couple of late signings after sacking their head coach a day before the end of the month.
Generally, most of Sunderland’s signings performed well as the club were promoted from League One, while there were some moves which didn’t work out.
Here is a rundown of this season’s arrivals and how they performed:
Generally, most of Sunderland’s signings performed well as the club were promoted from League One, while there were some moves which didn’t work out.
5. Frederik Alves (on loan from West Ham)
A player it's easy to forget about as the Danish centre-back didn't make a single league start for Sunderland. The 22-year-old produced some solid performances in the Carabao Cup but couldn't make a breakthrough on Wearside. Alves was recalled by West Ham in January before signing for Danish club Brondby. Photo: JPI Media
6. Nathan Broadhead (on loan from Everton)
Despite suffering two significant muscle injuries, the 24-year-old scored 13 goals in 27 games at Sunderland - and some crucial goals at that. The striker's last-minute winners against Gillingham and Shrewsbury helped the Black Cats reach the play-offs when there was little margin for error. Broadhead has a year left on his contract at Everton, and Sunderland will hold talks with the Toffees to see if a deal can be struck. Photo: JPI Media
7. Niall Huggins (signed from Leeds)
After signing a four-year deal at Sunderland last summer, the 21-year-old full-back has seen his season wrecked by a back injury and ankle issue. The defender produced some promising performances before the setbacks and Huggins will hope he can showcase his ability next season. Photo: JPI Media
8. Leon Dajaku (on loan from Union Berlin)
Sunderland's first signing ahead of next season. A clause in the German's loan contract was triggered this campaign, meaning the move from Union Berlin became permanent. The 21-year-old showed flashes of his talent, scoring four league goals and registering four assists, but is still raw. Dajaku's season was then cut short due to an illness, meaning he hasn't played a competitive match since March Photo: JPI Media