Sunderland’s preparations for the 2024/25 campaign are officially underway.
The players reported back for pre-season testing on Friday and began their training programme today, which was also Régis Le Bris’ first day officially in charge of the Black Cats. Sunderland will now have a solid two-week training block before the squad splits for friendlies against Gateshead and South Shields, with the pre-season tour of Spain to follow. Here, we run through the state of play with every player currently in Le Bris’ senior squad and make a summer transfer window prediction for each and every one...
29. Nazariy Rusyn
Had been linked with a move away this summer but Sunderland have always said that they feel he'll be far stronger this campaign having adjusted to a new league and settled in the area, and most importantly having improved his English. Has publicly said he's happy at the club and so is ready for a big pre-season. The question is whether he can make that striking role his own, or whether he operates predominantly from the wide areas. Another situation that could be impacted by what happens with Jack Clarke. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
30. Luis Hemir
With Sunderland's striking options limited, he has a huge chance to stake a claim in the early weeks of pre-season. Club staff still believe has real quality inside the box but have been keen to see him improve his off-the-ball attributes. Given his struggles for regular minutes last season, there has to be a chance of a loan move later in the window in order to let him rebuild sharpness and confidence if he isn't going to play on Wearside. Probably to soon to consider a permanent exit - signed a long-term deal last summer and Sunderland would have known it could take time for him to adjust. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
31. Eliezer Mayenda
Struggled for regular minutes on loan at Hibernian and so might have been best to let him stay on Wearside and adjust to his new club. Will get a chance to impress in pre-season, with a loan move later in the window a distinct possibility. Lots of potential and still lots of time to make an impact. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
32. Tommy Watson
A brilliant end to the season for the U21s means he is almost certain to get opportunities to impress in pre season for the first team. A loan move later in the window is possible, though more likely is he stays and plays regularly with the U21s, offering valuable cover for the senior squad and getting the chance to train regularly in that environment. The likes of left back Oli Bainbridge and midfielder Harrison Jones are amongst the other youngsters who could get a chance to impress in pre season. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid