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
21. Patrick Roberts
Transfermarkt valuation: €3,200,000 Our verdict: Sunderland turned down bigger bids from Southampton in the summer window, when Roberts was at that stage entering the final year of his deal. Now that he has a new contract with two years to run, it’s fair to assume that Sunderland see his value as much higher than this. His form has dipped since then, but no reason to think that’s a long-term issue after a couple of frustrating injuries - just needs a good pre-season. Our valuation: Probably somewhere between £5,000,000 and £7,000,000 but in truth, Sunderland would be reluctant to sell one of the more experienced players in the group | Getty Images Photo: Ed Sykes
22. Adil Aouchiche
Transfermarkt valuation: €2,500,000 Our verdict: Probably about right, Aouchiche had a mixed first season on Wearside in which he showed regular glimpses of his talent without finding real consistency in his performances and a regular spot in the starting XI as a result. WIll hopefully be better for his first season adjusting to a new club and division and so can hit the ground running in pre-season. Our valuation: £2,500,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
23. Jewison Bennette
Transfermarkt valuation: €900,000 Our verdict: It’s a big summer and Sunderland need to get their next steps right. Has a lot of talent but hasn’t broken through and had a very difficult loan in Greece, albeit that was in part due to injury. Needs a better pick next time round to build has value but most importantly his confidence. Our valuation: £1,000,000 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
24. Jack Clarke
Transfermarkt valuation: €15,000,000 Our verdict: Not far off. Clarke proved himself to be one of the very best players in the division last season but interested clubs will know there is little prospect of agreement over a new deal at Sunderland as things stand. With two years to run on his current deal, they’ll know this is Sunderland’s best chance to recoup a big fee and so while the club’s position is strong enough for this window at least, it’s not totally commanding. Our valuation: £15,000,000 is a decent starting point, with add ons and possible future clauses nudging an eventual deal closer to the £20,000,000 mark | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid