Sunderland’s search for a new head coach remains unresolved but the transfer talk is already picking up ahead of what looks certain to be a huge summer window for the club.
Unsurprisingly, some of the best young players at the club are being linked with top-tier switches. Jack Clarke is said to have significant interest from Southampton amongst others, while Jobe Bellingham is a target for Crystal Palace and a host of other clubs. Sunderland have been clear that they are in no rush to sell any of their key assets, but it is already clear that this will be a testing window on that front. So what are the valuations of each player and what fee will they actually command if they are to leave? Here, we assess the valuation from football website transfermarkt.com of each player and put that into context to arrive at what is likely to be the club’s true valuation this summer
5. Niall Huggins
Transfermarkt valuation: €800,000 Our verdict: Huggins has one year left on his current deal but is expected to be out until early 2025 at the earliest with a major knee ligament injury. Getting fit and back on the pitch will be his focus, as he proved last season that he can be an excellent Championship full back. If he can return to fitness Sunderland will almost certainly look to renew his contract, and his value will then be a far truer reflection of his ability as a player. Our valuation: £200,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
6. Aji Alese
Transfermarkt valuation: €1,000,000 Our verdict: Made a successful return from injury towards the end of the campaign, having just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2027. Needs a good campaign staying injury free but has shown his quality and promise, so fair to say Sunderland would need a significantly bigger fee to be tempted to consider a sale. Our valuation: Would surely take a deal starting at £5,000,000 before even considering add-ons | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
7. Dennis Cirkin
Transfermarkt valuation: €2,000,000 Our verdict: Has undoubtedly had a difficult season in terms of injury and needs a bit of luck on that front and a really strong 2024/25. Having said that, when fit he’s clearly one of the better left-backs and with two years left on his deal, there’s no way Sunderland would consider a bid of that level at this stage. Our valuation: Like Alese, hard to see Sunderland considering a bid below £5,000,000 and in truth, they’ll believe with a good campaign under his belt he’ll comfortably be seen at that level and possibly even greater. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
8. Joe Anderson
Transfermarkt valuation: €175,000 Our verdict: Probably a little on the low side but not far off. Anderson has pedigree in the youth game and some senior experience under his belt after a decent season on loan at Shrewsbury, which he’ll be a better player for. Both he and Sunderland have a big call to make this summer over what the next best step is. Our valuation: £250,000 | Getty Images Photo: Jeremy Ng