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
9. Nectar Triantis
Transfermarkt valuation: €300,000 Our verdict: On the low side. Didn’t break through this season at Sunderland but showed promise when selected and is someone the club believe has a lot more to offer in the years ahead. Our valuation: £1,750,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
10. Jenson Seelt
Transfermarkt valuation: €2,000,000 Our verdict: Probably about right. Sunderland invested significantly in Seelt last summer and though he is currently sidelined for an extended period with an ACL injury, his appearances in the last campaign showed he has real promise. If he can return at that level, and given his age there’s no reason to think he can’t, then he’ll push for more Championship football. Our valuation: £2,000,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
11. Trai Hume
Transfermarkt valuation: €7,000,000 Our verdict: Hume has had an incredible rise over the last 18 months, and is said to be of interest to a number of top-tier clubs including Napoli and Aston Villa. The full back has three years left to run on his contract and so this valuation seems about right, albeit Sunderland would likely hold out for a little more given his obvious importance to the team and his versatility. Given how quickly he has progressed over the last year, they’d also want his future potential factored into any deal. Our valuation: Any deal would surely have to start around the £7,500,000 mark with potential add-ons nudging it closer to £10,000,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
12. Timothee Pembele
Transfermarkt valuation: €2,500,000 Our verdict: Pembele is signed up to a long-term deal (one that still has four years left to run) and has obvious pedigree in terms of his youth career, but after an injury-hit first season it is hard to see any club coming in at that price. Sunderland will be looking to build his value over the next couple of seasons by gradually integrating him further and further into the starting XI. Our valuation: Right now, probably around £1,000,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid