It was a busy summer of transfer activity on Wearside. Sunderland brought in a number of new faces who look to have bolstered their squad significantly during the early stages of the new Championship campaign, but the Black Cats also bid farewell to no fewer than 13 players who were in and around the first team picture at the Stadium of Light.
From certified starters to periphery talents to exciting prospects who will now take the next step in their careers elsewhere, there was a whole spectrum of departures from the North East, with some leaving on permanent bases and some on loan agreements. And now, a little over a month since deadline day and with the second international break of the season looming over us, it feels like as good a time as any to check in on how those former Sunderland stars are currently getting on.
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With that in mind, we’ve gone through each of the 13 players who left the Stadium of Light over the summer to see how they’ve fared over the opening exchanges of the new campaign. Some are thriving, some are floundering, and one is still without a club altogether. Check out our full gallery below...
5. Elliot Embleton
A player many were sad to see leave the Stadium of Light, Embleton is now plying his trade for Blackpool, who are enjoying a fine resurgence in form under ex-Sunderland boss Steve Bruce. The midfielder has featured eight times in the third tier, but is yet to start a game for the Seasiders. He does, however, have three EFL Cup starts to his name. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
6. Luis Hemir
Shipped out to Juventus' prestigious developmental Next Gen squad, Hemir has played five Serie C games this season, but is yet to score a goal. He does have one assist to his name, however. | Getty Images
7. Alex Bass
Bass is now first choice goalkeeper for League Two side Notts County, and has enjoyed a decent start to the season, with three clean sheets in nine matches, and just eight goals conceded. Photo: Nathan Stirk
8. Pierre Ekwah
Another high profile exit, Ekwah is currently on loan in Ligue 1 with St. Etienne. It's been a mixed bag for the midfielder so far, with a regular starting berth and plenty of positive feedback soured somewhat by an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of OGC Nice a fortnight ago. On balance, though, he's doing okay. | Getty Images