Sunderland have just two league games remaining this season – while the club’s recruitment team will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats were tracking several players during the January transfer window and are bound to be linked with more names in the coming months. For fun, following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true:
21. Potential squad player: Lamare Bogarde
The Athletic reported in January that Sunderland were showing strong interest in Aston Villa midfielder Bogarde. The 20-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at League Two club Bristol Rovers. Photo: Pete Norton
22. Potential squad player: Abdoullah Ba
The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal at Sunderland when he joined the club from French side Le Havre in 2022. Ba has proved to be an important player for the Black Cats this season, making 36 Championship appearances this season. Photo: Nigel Roddis
23. Potential squad player: Jobe Bellingham
Still only 18, Bellingham signed a long-term contract with the Black Cats last summer and has started constantly in the Championship this season. While there has been reported interest from Premier League clubs, it seems like Sunderland would be the best place for his development. Photo: George Wood
24. Potential squad player: Romaine Mundle
Sunderland signed Mundle for a seven-figure fee from Belgian side Standard Liege in January. The 20-year-old winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light and has made eight Championship appearances since the move. Photo: Frank Reid