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:
21. Jack Rodwell - £10m
Back in 2014, Sunderland announced that Rodwell had signed a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £10 million. Last year, Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers announced Rodwell had signed for the club on a one-year deal after training with them for two weeks under manager Carl Robinson. Rodwell has since moved on to Sydney FC. Photo: Richard Sellers
22. Michael Turner - £4m - £6m
Sunderland completed the signing of Turner on a four-year contract for around £4million - £6million back in 2009. The centre-back is now retired. Photo: GRAHAM STUART
23. Steven Fletcher - £12m
Steven Fletcher joined Sunderland for £12 million and recently signed for Dundee United on a two-year contract. Photo: Tom Dulat
24. Asamoah Gyan - £13m
Costing Sunderland £13 million, Gyan was last playing with Legion Cities in Ghana. Gyan also has interests in boxing, tennis and owns an airline. Photo: Scott Heavey