Spotlight on Cats’ academy graduates
Sunderland's squad is still in need of significant strengthening ahead of the new campaign, with Phil Parkinson looking to make five more additions.
The new salary cap rules have complicated that search and in the 'new normal' clubs are facing, academy graduates aregoingtobemoreimportant to third-tier teams than ever.
So who are the next generation of Sunderland products looking to push through, and whatcanweexpectfromthem ahead of the new campaign?
We take a closer look.…
BRANDON TAYLOR
Taylor has been one of the more consistent players in the club's struggling U23 team and made a big impression on Parkinson during the FA Cup defeat to Gillingham last year.
After that game, Parkinson said: "I thought he was probablyourbestplayeronthenight, he loved every minute of it.
"I don't think he could do a lot more to show that he can play."
Parkinson's first-choice back three is in situ and well established, but Taylor has a big opportunity to impress in theseopeningweeksofthepreseason programme.
Parkinson is believed to be keentoaddaleft-sideddefender to ensure he has adequate cover for the campaign, but the hectic schedule created by the cups in the opening weeks of the season mean that Taylor will surely add to his tally of senior appearances.
DENVER HUME
It will be fascinating to see how the next few weeks play out and what it means for Hume moving into the new campaign.
Parkinson is known to be actively seeking another option at left wing-back and, of course, that is the sensible option in a long season when one injury would leave the team light.
Getting the balance right between securing competitionandcoverforHume,while notdamaginghisdevelopment as an attacking outlet, is both tricky and crucial.
The youngster still has much to work on defensively but, particularly at the Stadium of Light, his direct style andabilitytocarrytheballlong distancesanddeepintotheopposition half is absolutely invaluable to a team that needs to avoid becoming predictable and easy to defend against.
Sunderlandhadastronginterest in Luke Garbutt, but the new salary cap rules have put that deal in doubt for now.
On trial at the Academy of Light is former Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell.
Garbutt has the pedigree andconsistencyatthislevel(as well as a wicked set piece), but would also pose a major threat to Hume's gametime.
It's an interesting debate andonewhichgoestotheheart of questions over pathway and results.
It's worth remembering in all of this, as well, that Hume is now entering the final year of his contract.
Evenifheisfarfromthefinished article, a player of his attributes will be well known to other clubs.
JACK DIAMOND
Diamond has returned to Wearside full of confidence after an outstanding loan at Harrogate Town, and Parkinson made a point of praising him earlier this week.
Diamond has always had real technical quality and has long been one of the brightest academy prospects, but his time in the National League lookstohavehelpedhimmake the all-important inroads when it comes to the physical demands of senior football.
Whether he can break through this season is a key question.
There will be plenty of fixtures in the congested schedule, but Aiden O'Brien's arrival also means competition for places in the number ten spots will be fierce.
Though he'd be more likely toplayinamoreorthodoxcentralmidfieldposition,Sunderland's interest in Scott Fraser (another one in some doubt due to the salary cap) suggests that competition for creative places could yet grow.
Harrogate Town want Diamond back and there will be many other League Two clubs in the same boat.
Another loan cannot be ruled out and would the best option if regular football is not guaranteed on Wearside.
For now, though, Diamond haseverychanceoffightingfor exactly that.
ELLIOT EMBLETON
The curtailment of the LeagueOnecampaignprevented Embleton the opportunity topushforaregularspotunder Parkinson.
The Black Cats boss had assured the youngster he would have a chance under him, having been impressed with his composure after extensive analysis of his loan spell at Grimsby Town.
There is understandable cautiongiventhelengthoftime thathaspassedsinceEmbleton last played a senior game (September 2019), but it is also encouraging that he has thus far playedafullpartinpre-season.
The 3-4-3 shape looks perfectly designed for his skills, and it was in this system that he emerged as arguably the team's best player during the last pre-season.
Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire will start as firstchoice options on the back of their strong output last season, and it certainly feels like a make-or-break campaign for Embleton on Wearside.
He has one year left on his deal, needs regular senior football, and has a strong reputation in the Football League thatwillmeanmuchinterestif things don't work out.
BENJI KIMPIOKA
His contractual status still not resolved, Kimpioka looks highly unlikely to be involved next season as it stands.
Sunderlandhavebeenfrustrated by the slow progress over a deal, while Kimpioka wants assurances over firstteam involvement.
He made little impression when played in a wide position during the EFL Trophy shortlyafterParkinsontookcharge, and and he faces competition from Embleton, Diamond and AidenO'Brien.Heisnowmissing out valuable time on the training pitch to get match fitness and make an impression. It'shardtoseethisendinginanything other than an exit.