Sunderland will be looking to strengthen their squad during this summer’s transfer window – but what does their strongest team look like as things stand?
The Black Cats have announced some first-team and academy players will leave Wearside when their contracts expire this month – including Corry Evans and Bradley Dack. Callum Styles is also set to return to parent club Barnsley following a loan spell at the Stadium of Light, yet Sunderland do have an option to sign the 24-year-old permanently.
Several players are set to return for pre-season following injury setbacks, yet Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins aren’t expected to play again this year. This is what Sunderland’s strongest starting XI and bench could look like ahead of pre-season and the summer transfer window.
5. LB: Dennis Cirkin
The left-back position was an issue for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season, with Cirkin and Aji Alese missing large parts of the campaign due to injuries. Cirkin, 22, is expected to be ready for the start of pre-season following a hamstring issue and will hope to kick on after a frustrating 12 months. Photo: Frank Reid
6. CM: Dan Neil
Neil was a crucial player for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season, often dropping into a deeper midfield position. The 22-year-old missed the final three games of the campaign due to an ankle injury but should be available for pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
7. CM: Pierre Ekwah
Ekwah often started alongside Neil in Sunderland’s engine room, making 37 league appearances during the campaign. The 22-year-old clearly has plenty of ability but will hope to find more consistency next term. Photo: Frank Reid
8. RW: Patrick Roberts
Sunderland fans clearly haven’t seen the best of Roberts over the last year, in which he has suffered multiple injury setbacks. The 27-year-old will hope to rediscover his best form and become a regular starter again. Photo: Frank Reid