Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has a major rebuild on his hands this summerSunderland boss Phil Parkinson has a major rebuild on his hands this summer
Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has a major rebuild on his hands this summer

The strongest Sunderland XI and squad Phil Parkinson could pick right now with major summer rebuild required

Sunderland’s retained list was published in full on Tuesday, underlining the scale of the summer rebuild ahead.
By Phil Smith
Published 26th Jun 2020, 12:30 BST
Updated 26th Jun 2020, 12:42 BST

With Tom Flanagan weighing up an offer and Jon McLaughlin opting to leave, Phil Parkinson has just 14 senior players contracted for next season.

We’ve taken a look at how the senior squad currently looks, to assess the shape of what needs to be done this summer.

It’s perhaps telling that Parkinson’s 3-4-3 has had to be adapted to a 4-3-3, with defensive options very light.

A sudden surge of signings looks unlikely, with Parkinson adamant that the best players could become available once the Championship and Premier League seasons end next month. CEO Jim Rodwell has also suggested that the Black Cats need clarity on a start date for next season, as well as an update on when fans will return, before budgets are settled definitively. With the club at its lowest ebb, there has been much concern from fans over what lies ahead.

1. THE STATE OF PLAY

A sudden surge of signings looks unlikely, with Parkinson adamant that the best players could become available once the Championship and Premier League seasons end next month. CEO Jim Rodwell has also suggested that the Black Cats need clarity on a start date for next season, as well as an update on when fans will return, before budgets are settled definitively. With the club at its lowest ebb, there has been much concern from fans over what lies ahead. Photo: FRANK REID

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Phil Parkinson says Sunderland will sign a new senior goalkeeper but Burge looks well placed to take the number one shirt whenever the new campaign begins. He has lots of experience at League One level, did well in the cups earlier this season and is rated by Parkinson and his backroom staff.

2. GK: Lee Burge

Phil Parkinson says Sunderland will sign a new senior goalkeeper but Burge looks well placed to take the number one shirt whenever the new campaign begins. He has lots of experience at League One level, did well in the cups earlier this season and is rated by Parkinson and his backroom staff. Photo: FRANK REID

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Sunderland activated the extension in his clause earlier this year, with Championship clubs beginning to take a long-term interest in his progress. Little wonder. An exemplary attitude, tremendous running capacity, good in the air and an eye for goal. Looks well settled as a wing-back in Parkinson’s preferred system and energetic style.

3. RB: LUKE O'NIEN

Sunderland activated the extension in his clause earlier this year, with Championship clubs beginning to take a long-term interest in his progress. Little wonder. An exemplary attitude, tremendous running capacity, good in the air and an eye for goal. Looks well settled as a wing-back in Parkinson’s preferred system and energetic style. Photo: FRANK REID

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McLaughlin started last season on the right of the back three and it’s a position he could easily fill in future. He looks to be down the pecking order at the moment following a tricky start to life on Wearside but has a good pedigree and Parkinson has always spoken warmly about his attitude and abilities. More broadly, it’s clear that a centre-back is a big priority. Sunderland are waiting for developments on Flanagan, who would be a regular on the left of a back three, but both quality and cover would still be needed in the other positions.

4. RCB: CONOR McLAUGHLIN

McLaughlin started last season on the right of the back three and it’s a position he could easily fill in future. He looks to be down the pecking order at the moment following a tricky start to life on Wearside but has a good pedigree and Parkinson has always spoken warmly about his attitude and abilities. More broadly, it’s clear that a centre-back is a big priority. Sunderland are waiting for developments on Flanagan, who would be a regular on the left of a back three, but both quality and cover would still be needed in the other positions. Photo: FRANK REID

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