Whether a young player coming through the ranks or an established figure who has fallen out of favour, pre-season is a time where impressions can be forged and key decisions made.
And that will certainly be the case at the Academy of Light this summer, where a number of players are set for a big few weeks as they look to catch the eye behind the scenes.
The Black Cats have so far confirmed just one pre-season friendly, but are set to be put through their paces by Johnson and his staff in a number of other warm-up games ahead of the big kick-off in August.
So which individuals are set for a big pre-season this year, and who should we be keeping an eye on as Sunderland return to action in early July? We take a look:
1. Will Grigg
Will he stay or will he go? MK Dons and Wigan Athletic have both been linked with moves for Grigg, but it will be a big pre-season for the striker regardless of where his future lies - as he looks to either battle his way back into Lee Johnson’s thoughts, or to earn himself a move elsewhere. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Aiden O'Brien
We saw flashes of O’Brien’s quality during his first season on Wearside, but he had fallen down the pecking order slightly as the season drew to a close. The former Millwall man will be keen to stake his claim for a starting place when the squad return to the Academy of Light. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. George Dobson
Similarly to Grigg, the midfielder could be set for a permanent exit from the Stadium of Light after a promising loan spell at AFC Wimbledon. But with Sunderland light on options in the centre of midfield at present, could he be given a chance to shine in the early weeks of pre-season? Photo: Frank Reid
4. Josh Hawkes
A lot of eyes will be on the former Hartlepool United man after his impressive season in Premier League 2. He’s going to be given an opportunity to shine in pre-season, and this looks set to be a big summer for Hawkes. Photo: FRANK REID 2020