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.
17. SUB: Abdoullah Ba
Ba predominantly played as a right winger during his second season at Sunderland, producing some encouraging performances in the first half of the last campaign. Still only 20, the Frenchman is just one of the club’s young players who will be hoping to kick on and push for more regular starts. Photo: Frank Reid
18. SUB: Romaine Mundle
Mundle has made 11 senior appearances for Sunderland, scoring once, since joining the club in January. The 21-year-old clearly has ability yet it remains to be seen if he can become a regular starter in the Championship. Photo: Frank Reid
19. SUB: Adil Aouchiche
After a slow start to the campaign, the Frenchman did receive more first-team opportunities in the second half of the 2023/24 season. Aouchiche did produce some encouraging performances in the No 10 position but still has a point to prove. Photo: Frank Reid
20. SUB: Hemir
Sunderland will be looking to sign at least one new striker this summer. After arriving from Benfica a year ago, Hemir wasn’t ready to make a significant impact in the Championship. The 20-year-old still has time to reach the level required, with four years left on his contract, while a loan move may benefit the striker. Photo: Frank Reid