Sunderland have eight 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:
17. Potential squad player: Dennis Cirkin
The left-back has suffered bad luck with injuries again this season but is expected to return in time for the 2024-25 campaign. Photo: Frank Reid
18. Potential squad player: Pierre Ekwah
Ekwah has produced some excellent performances in a Black Cats shirt but has dropped out of the side in recent weeks after a dip in form. Despite reported interest from Premier League clubs, the 22-year-old has said Sunderland is the perfect place for his development. Photo: Frank Reid
19. 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
20. 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 34 Championship appearances this season. Photo: Nigel Roddis