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
17. Pierre Ekwah
Transfermarkt valuation: €2,800,000 Our verdict: Had a difficult campaign at times and his value has probably dipped slightly from when Sunderland were fielding top-tier bids at the end of the summer window. But this was his first full campaign in senior football, and so some level of inconsistency is to be expected. A real talent and Sunderland will be confident they can get him to a high level in the months and years to come. Our valuation: £5,000,000 based on the potential he’s shown at times, with room for that to grow quickly if he captures his best form | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
18. Jobe Bellingham
Transfermarkt valuation: €12,000,000 Our verdict: Probably about right, though worth remembering that Bellingham has three years left on his current deal and so Sunderland are under no financial pressure to sell. Any deal would likely have to involve significant future add-ons, too, given the player’s obvious potential. Our valuation: Perhaps slightly closer to £15,000,000 when you factor in future clauses | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
19. Elliot Embleton
Transfermarkt valuation: €900,000 Our verdict: Would be a hugely attractive option to top League One and other Championship clubs were he to be available. No doubting his talent and his potential to be a hugely effective Championship player with a significantly larger value, but needs to get back fit first. Our valuation: £1,000,000 (but higher if he makes a successful return over pre-season) | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
20. Abdoullah Ba
Transfermarkt valuation: €4,000,000 Our verdict: Hard to see a club paying a fee that large for Ba right now after what was a difficult second half to the season. Has shown real promise at times, just needs to find a settled position and some consistency. Our valuation: £2,500,000 - £3,000,000 as it stands. Will be worth more if he can find that consistency. | Getty Images Photo: Nigel Roddis