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.
17. SUB: ELLIOT EMBLETON
It’s a big pre-season for Embleton as he tries to bounce back from the rotten luck he’s had with injuries over the course of the last eighteen months. If he can get fit then his versatility and knack of popping up with big goals gives every chance of winning back his place in the squad. If Sunderland do recruit fairly heavily in midfield/attacking midfield positions, he may feel it’s time to look for a starting role elsewhere. Too early to tell what his campaign will look like and will depend on his recovery, no doubt he’s got the ability to make an impact. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
18. SUB: DENNIS CIRKIN
If he can get fit and stay fit then Cirkin will surely force his way into the side somewhere given his ability both in possession and out of it. Just needs a bit of luck to go his way in order to get a solid pre-season campaign under his belt. Photo: Frank Reid
19. SUB: CHRIS RIGG
Rigg’s performances over recent weeks mean he will return for pre-season as a genuine contender for a place in both the starting XI and the first-team squad. That is, providing he signs his first professional terms with the club next month. Hopes remain fairly high behind the scenes on that front. | Getty Images
20. SUB: TIMOTHEE PEMBELE
Just nudges out Leo Hjelde at this stage as whoever does not start between Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin offers cover in the defensive positions on the left flank that suit Hjelde. Nectar Triantis will also be targeting a big pre-season to try and force his way into the reckoning. | Frank Reid Photo: FRANK REID