The four players with Sunderland connections to look out for when the Bundesliga returns this weekend

But did you know that a handful of players with Sunderland connections could be involved?

While there are far from a plethora of former Black Cats playing in the German top flight, there are a number of players who have played at the Stadium of Light – or come close to doing so – at some point in their career.

Here, we take a look at some of the names that will be familiar to Sunderland fans once the Bundesliga returns to action on Saturday, May 16:

JI DONG-WON

Who could forget THAT goal against Manchester City?

It was a strike that put Ji down in Sunderland folklore, and means more than a fair few fans will be keeping a watchful eye on his progress when the Bundesliga resumes.

Having left Sunderland for Dortmund in 2015, Ji now plies his trade for FC Mainz, whom he joined at the start of the season.

The good news is that Mainz are in action as early as this Sunday, when they travel to Cologne (2:30pm kick-off).

The bad news? Ji is yet to make an appearance for the side this season, so don’t be expecting him to start this weekend.

GIOVANNI REYNAThe 17-year-old is quickly becoming one of the most promising youngsters in the European game, having burst onto the scene at Borussia Dortmund.

And his talent can, of course, be traced back to the fact he was born in Sunderland.

Gio’s father is ex-Sunderland, Manchester City and Rangers midfielder Claudio Reyna – with the teenager born on Wearside during his father’s playing career.

Dortmund are one of the first teams in action this weekend, as they host Schalke on Saturday (2:30pm kick-off).

JAN KIRCHHOFF

We’ll clarify this from the start – Kirchhoff will NOT be playing this weekend.

But the former Sunderland midfielder could be in action soon, having dropped down the German pyramid.

Kirchhoff has lived a fairly nomadic existence since his departure from Sunderland, and now finds himself at third tier side FC Magdeburg.

While the 3.Liga season is not set to kick-off this weekend, plans are in place for Kirchhoff and his teammates to resume their fixture schedule on May 26.

SALOMON KALOU

Bare with us here, because Kalou does have links to Sunderland.

Back in 2014, the former Chelsea forward was told he was free to leave Lille. He had two offers on the table – one from Hertha Berlin, and another from Sunderland.

Kalou penned a long-term deal in the German capital and remains at Hertha Berlin today, having spurned the chance to return to the Premier League.

His current side face Hoffenheim on Saturday (2:30pm) but Kalou is not expected to be involved, having been suspended by the club after flouting lockdown rules.