From Darren Bent to Didier Ndong and Asamoah Gyan, the Black Cats spent heavily over the years, especially when the club were in the Premier League under Bob Murray and Ellis Short.
Here, we take a look at 25 of Sunderland’s most expensive signings and where they are now, with some interesting results! Note: Figures are approximates based on reports at the time of the signings:
5. Stephane Sessegnon - £6m
Sessegnon signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and the transfer fee was priced at £6 million in 2011. The tricky attacker is now retired. Photo: Robert Cianflone
6. Michael Chopra - £5m
Back in 2007, Sunderland agreed a deal worth up to £5million, activating a release clause, to sign Chopra on a four-year contract. Chopra signed for Northern League Division One side West Allotment Celtic earlier this year. Photo: Clive Mason
7. Emanuele Giaccherini - £2m - £6m
Various reports have the fee Sunderland paid Juventus for Emanuele Giaccherini between £2million and £6million. The former Italy international is now retired after a stint with Napoli. Photo: Clive Mason
8. Kieran Richardson - £5.5m
Back in 2007, Richardson joined Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £5.5million. After stints with Aston Villa, Cardiff City and Fulham, Richardson retired in 2017. Photo: Matthew Lewis