Sunderland finished the season in 16th position meaning 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:
13. Potential squad player: Elias Lenz
Elias Lenz is the latest player to be named concerning a move to Wearside ahead of the summer window. German national outlet Bild have stated that Red Bull Leipzig are releasing several players from their U19s set-up and that Sunderland could target Lenz. The publication also says that Lenz has been on trial with the Wearsiders after captaining Red Bull Leipzig’s under-19s side this season. The player has been with the club since 2016. The 18-year-old plays predominately in central midfield and stands at around 6 foot and one inch tall. Photo: Ian MacNicol
14. Potential squad player: Nathan Bishop
After joining Sunderland from Manchester United in the summer, Bishop has acted as back-up for Patterson this season. The 24-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. Photo: Sean M. Haffey
15. Potential squad player: Charlie Cresswell
Sunderland have been linked with Cresswell during previous transfer windows, while the defender has only made five Championship appearances for Leeds this season. Photo: George Wood
16. Potential squad player: Matty Young
The highly-rated 17-year-old has worked wonders while out on loan at Darlington this season. He may well go out on loan again next season but as it stands, Young is set to return to Sunderland this summer and may be involved during pre-season again. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson