Sunderland have started their summer rebuilding this week ahead of the appointment of a new head coach, with recruitment meetings taking place at the Academy of Light.
The Black Cats have also been holding meetings with players individually ahead of their summer break, reflecting on the campaign gone, establishing programmes for the off-season and outlining areas of potential improvement when they return in late June.
Clarity has also been given to players out of contract this summer, and it’s understood that both Corry Evans and Bradley Dack will leave the club when their deals expire. The club’s loanees will also return to their parent clubs, though Sunderland do have an option to sign Callum Styles permanently - a decision which has not yet been taken.
After a deeply disappointing end to the campaign it leaves a lot of work to be done over the summer window. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the strongest squad under contract for next season as things stand and some of the recruitment priorities it underlines.
Though Sunderland finished the season regularly playing in a back five, we’ve reverted to the more familiar 4-2-3-1 system that you expect the club will look to as they try and get the Black Cats back on the front foot and entertaining the fans.
5. LB: AJI ALESE
Alese made a strong return from injury at the end of the campaign, having been one of the team’s most consistent performers in his all-too brief return at the turn of the year. Left back was a problem position for Sunderland for much of this season but if Alese and Dennis Cirkin can stay fit, then it will quickly turn to a position of strength. Cirkin has every chance of forcing his way into the team if he can get fit over pre-season, a huge talent who combines superbly with Jack Clarke. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
6. CM: DAN NEIL
One of a few who will definitely attract top-tier interest but has two years still to run on his contract (after another excellent campaign, is it time to consider a renewal?) and has been clear in his determination to help get Sunderland back to the Premier League. Evans’ imminent departure underlines the lack of depth in midfield, and the absence of the kind of holding midfielder that would free Neil up to make even more of an impact in the final third. The balance of midfield has been a key issue this season and needs addressing this summer. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
7. CM: PIERRE EKWAH
Has a huge amount of talent but one of the players who appeared to suffer most from Tony Mowbray’s departure. Mowbray oversaw a huge improvement to his game out of possession, which helped make him one of the first names on the teamsheet. Struggled to maintain that intensity in the second half of the season and looked in need of a break by the end of it. A bad leg injury was a key factor in his campaign, it should be said, and has only been playing senior football for 18 months. Will have a big role to play next season but Sunderland need to work out how to get the best of their technically-gifted midfielders without leaving the team too vulnerable to the counter attack. | Photo: Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
8. RW: PATRICK ROBERTS
Lost his place to Chris Rigg in the final weeks of the season after an injury during the festive period really impacted his campaign. Has been a disappointing year since Amad’s departure but Sunderland are hopeful he can recapture his best form after a full pre-season. If Rigg chooses to stay and sign a pro deal then he’ll offer real competition - if the club feel he still isn’t quite ready to move into the central role that will likely be his in the long term. | Ian Horrocks Photo: Ian Horrocks