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
13. Leo Hjelde
Transfermarkt valuation: €1,500,000 Our verdict: Probably about right. Sunderland’s deal to sign Hjelde from Leeds was reported to be in that region and he’s now under a long-term contract. Will be hoping to push for more minutes and a regular spot next season after a tricky start in difficult circumstances. Our valuation: £1,500,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
14. Chris Rigg
Transfermarkt valuation: €300k Our verdict: Hard to put a valuation on Rigg as the situation remains at this stage outside of Sunderland’s control, at least to an extent. Rigg can choose to leave up until the point he signs his pro contract and if the two clubs can’t agree a fee in that scenario, it would be settled by a tribunal. Sunderland would expect to be fairly well compensated, as the tribunal would take into account his already numerous first-team appearances and his youth international career. Sunderland’s hope is that he’ll sign a pro contract on Wearside, giving them better protection in the transfer market and Rigg regular senior football. Our valuation: At this stage, maybe around £2,500,000. Clearly he will be worth significantly more when under a pro contract. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
15. Jay Matete
Transfermarkt valuation: €300,000 Our verdict: Fit and available Matete is clearly worth far more than transfermarkt’s valuation, but he’s had a really frustrating campaign due to injury. Needs a good pre-season where he can push for first-team football on Wearside or get ready to go back out on loan. That will then help both parties when a big decision is then made as he enters the last year of his deal. Our valuation: £1,000,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
16. Dan Neil
Transfermarkt valuation: €5,000,000 Our verdict: With just two years left on his current deal, Sunderland aren’t in quite as commanding a position with Neil as they are with some of the other players likely to field top-tier interest this summer. Once a new head coach is sorted and planning for the summer in place, a new deal will surely be on the radar given Neil’s performances last season. Despite that contract situation, Neil is a player on the rise and there’s no chance Sunderland would even consider a bid of that level. You’d have to double it for starters, and probably even treble it in the end. Our valuation: £15,000,000 - a class act whose career is only heading in one direction. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid