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...
9. Timothee Pembele
Like Ekwah, Pembele has returned to France on loan this season. Unlike Ekwah, he is yet to make an impression with new club Le Havre, and has not played a single minute at the time of writing. | Getty Images
10. Nathan Bishop
Now on loan in League One with Wycombe Wanderers, Bishop has had a difficult time at his new club. Six goals conceded in the first two games of the season (admittedly against high-flying Birmingham City and Wrexham) and he has not featured in the league since due to injury. Photo: Frank Reid
11. Jay Matete
Matete has been regular fixture of Bolton Wanderers' midfield this season, but has often been substituted into matches, and has started just two League One fixtures so far. Across all competitions, he has 12 appearances to his name, and featured in last month's EFL Cup defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Nectarios Triantis
Triantis has been garnering widespread praise for his showings as a defensive midfielder for Hibernian this season. The Australian is already a key player for the Edinburgh club, and has started three out of three matches since making the move north of the border. | SNS Group