Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Todd Kane and Guy Melamed latest, Lady Cats promoted to Championship
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The Black Cats are looking to build a squad capable of achieving League One promotion at the fourth time of asking.
Seven players were released last week – including the likes of Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Chris Maguire.
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Hide AdThe clearout came after the Black Cats were knocked out in the play-off semi-final by Lincoln City in from of 10,000 supporters at the Stadium of Light.
New deals have been offered to Denver Hume, Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke, as supporters await further updates.
Meanwhile, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus publicly backed Lee Johnson as the two look to press ahead with the transfer plans alongside sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey.
Here are the big stories from around the Stadium of Light and League One as Sunderland prepare for a huge summer:
Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP (June 2)
Key Events
- Sunderland are facing up to a fourth straight season in League One
- The Black Cats are waiting on contract decisions from Charlie Wyke, Denver Hume, Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady
- Sunderland Ladies promoted to FA Women’s Championship
The latest gossip from around the web
Here, we take a look at the latest transfer news from Sunderland and around League One:
Sunderland striker Will Grigg is attracting interest from his former side Wigan Athletic, who could potentially launch a bid this summer. Grigg enjoyed a loan stint at MK Dons from January. (Sun on Sunday)
Sunderland must sign a new left-back this summer… that’s according to Kevin Phillips. “They’re going to need a natural left-back, you can’t rely on Luke O’Nien to be playing left-back and centre half next season. I think they need to find players that are suitable for their own position and maybe Luke can be used somewhere else in his rightful position.” (Football Insider)
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has insisted that Elliot Embleton will be given first-team opportunities at the Stadium of Light next season. (Sunderland Echo)
St Johnstone striker Guy Melamed is set to become a free agent this summer after an impressive debut season in Scotland. Sunderland are said to be interested in a deal. (Various)
QPR man Todd Kane is another one of the names to have been linked with a move to Wearside this summer. Portsmouth have also been linked with the right-back. (Various)
League One 2021/22: The confirmed third tier line-up facing Sunderland as Championship relegation and League Two promotion finalised
The League One line-up for the 2021/22 season has now been confirmed.
With the play-offs across League One and League Two now finished, we know all of the teams who will be making up the third tier next season.
Sunderland are one of a host of big clubs set to take part in the division next season, but who will they be lining-up against next season?
Here’s a look at all of the teams set to take part in League One next season:
Who is in League One for the 2021/22 season?
The following teams will definitely be in League One next season:
Relegated from the Championship: Wycombe Wanderers, Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday
Remaining in League One: Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Burton Albion, Charlton Athletic, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Gillingham, Ipswich Town, Lincoln City, MK Dons, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury Town, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic
Promoted from League Two: Cheltenham Town, Cambridge United, Bolton Wanderers, Morecambe
Are there any new teams for Sunderland to play?
Some of the newly promoted sides are not particularly well-known to the Black Cats.
Sunderland have never played Cheltenham Town in a league fixture before – with their only meeting with the Robins coming in the League Cup back in 2005.
Similalry, the Wearsiders have never faced play-off winners Morecambe in a league fixture. They have, however, played the Shrimps twice in cup competitions including a Checkatrade Trophy clash in 2018.
The Black Cats are also set to face Cambridge United in a league fixture for the first time since 1993.
The latest transfer rumour
Huddersfield Town and Coventry City are offering Alex Gilliead a potential move into the Championship.
Sunderland and Ipswich Town are also talking to the departing Scunthorpe United midfielder.
That’s according to Football League World.
Gilliead came up through Newcastle United’s academy.
However, but never made a senior appearance at St James’ Park.
The player is now set to leave Scunthorpe after two seasons which has alerted several clubs.
Sunderland are set to face Spennymoor Town
A statement on SAFC.com said: “Sunderland AFC will face Spennymoor Town in their first pre-season fixture, as preparations for the 2021-22 season begin.
“Taking place at The Brewery Field, Lee Johnson’s side will travel to the National League North outfit on Saturday 3 July at 3pm.
“Further details will be released in due course.”