From the bizarre to the brilliant, the Black Cats have brought a number of players into the Academy of Light on a temporary basis over the last few years.
We’ve rounded-up some of the more forgettable and fascinating names, but how many can you remember? Scroll down and click through the pages – and let us know if you saw any in action:
1. Aristote Guerin-Lokonga
Remember him? No, we thought not. The DR Congo forward played for Sunderland's under-21 side as a trialist but didn't earn a deal at the Academy of Light. He eventually ended up on the non-league circuit and played for the likes of Sunderland RCA, Consett and Jarrow Roofing. Photo: Clive Brunskill
2. Anton Forrester
Formerly of Blackburn Rovers and Port Vale, Forrester featured for the Black Cats against Darlington prior to the 2018/19 season. He couldn't earn a deal, and is yet to return to English football. Photo: Pete Norton
3. Gary Sundgren
The Swedish international spent time on trial with Sunderland in 1996 and, while he was a relative unknown at the time, went on to forge a strong career during an impressive spell with Real Zaragoza. One who got away under Peter Reid... Photo: Graham Chadwick
4. Ramadhan 'Messi' Singano
Nothing screams quality like comparing yourself to Lionel Messi - but Tanzanian forward Singano wasn't able to earn a deal at the Stadium of Light. His career shows no traces of having advanced since he was on Wearside in 2013. Photo: Clive Brunskill