Several Sunderland stars attracting interest from other clubs - but who could leave, and which players won’t?
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman recently provided an update to Sunderland fans on transfers and contracts.
“Certainly, we want to make sure the pre-season is executed really well,” Speakman told the club’s social media channels ahead of Sunderland’s upcoming summer friendly fixtures.
“It's all about having really good planning. We want to be really, really good about the pre-season. My ultimate focus is the transfer window, making sure that the squad is in the right place moving forward.
“And obviously, we've already started that work with the goalkeeping changes we made. And then it's also about retaining talent and hopefully, we'll have some good news in the next couple of days on some of our exciting talent,” he concluded.
Here, we take a look at the players who could leave Sunderland this summer amid transfer interest from clubs in the Premier League and lower down the pyramid and those who won’t.
However, it should be noted that not all the players listed will leave at once and there are multiple caveats, which we have hopefully explained here:
13. Matty Young - could leave (on loan)
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
14. Hemir - could leave (on loan)
The Portuguese striker signed a five-year contract at Sunderland last summer but struggled at Championship level during his first season on Wearside. A loan move would appear a logical step at this stage, while Sunderland will have to weigh up whether it’s best to send the 20-year-old abroad or keep him in the UK. Photo: Frank Reid
15. Eliezer Mayenda - could leave (on loan)
Mayenda showed flashes of his ability during his first-team appearances for Sunderland but remains raw. The 19-year-old struggled for game time after joining Hibernian on loan. Sunderland will have to decide if another loan move is best for the youngster next season, or whether it's more beneficial for him to stay on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
16. Timothee Pembele - won't leave
While Pembele has only made five Championship appearances for Sunderland this season, the 21-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats when he arrived from PSG last summer. Photo: Frank Reid