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:
9. Kenwyne Jones - £6m plus part exchange
Jones signed Sunderland in 2007 in a deal worth around £6million with fellow-Trinidadian Stern John moving to Southampton. Jones is now retired.. Photo: Ian Walton
10. Connor Wickham - £8m - £12m
Wickham signed a four-year deal with Sunderland in 2011 for a fee of £8million, which potential to rise to £12million over the course of the contract. Wickham is now with Forest Green Rovers in League One. Photo: Mike Hewitt
11. Papy Djilobodji - £8m
In 2016, Papy Djilobodji signed for Sunderland on a four-year deal for a fee reported to be in the region of £8million. Djilobodji is now at Turkish club Gazişehir Gaziantep. Photo: Stu Forster
12. Anton Ferdinand - £8m
Anton Ferdinand completed an £8million transfer to Sunderland back in 2008. Ferdinand retired from professional football in July 2019 nad has undertaken charity work since finishing playing. Photo: Clive Mason