What future for Cats old and new?
The January window proved to be a busy one for Sunderland, with Phil Parkinson putting his stamp on the squad as expected.
Nine incoming and outgoing deals were completed, but where does that leave the future of each and every squad member?
JON McLAUGHLIN
A major concern given that he is one of the club’s biggest assets and is now in the last months of his deal.
He has utilised the free transfer superbly in the past, but has been clear that he wants to put down roots now and settle properly at Sunderland, even suggesting he would be open to finishing his career in the north east.
Has been left bemused by a lack of progress on a new deal, which was promised last summer.
News of Blackburn placing him on their long-term radar came as no surprise as he edges towards his best form.
If Sunderland aren’t promoted, he will have Championship suitors.
LEE BURGE
Has 18 months to run on his current deal.
Goalkeeper coach Lee Butler admitted he had viewed him as a possible Championship level player in the past and has impressed both managers with his attitude and ability this season.
BAILEY WRIGHT
On loan until the end of the season, Wright has made clear that he is open to extending his stay beyond the summer.
The effusive tributes from senior Bristol City figures when he made the move suggested they do not expect him to return.
Experienced and with proven pedigree, Championship clubs will be interested in a match-fit Wright, having monitored his availability throughout January.
DECLAN JOHN
On loan until the end of the season having struggled for regular gametime in his two seasons at Swansea City.
John has another year on his deal at the Liberty Stadium after this season.
CONOR McLAUGHLIN
Signed a two-year deal in the summer and has had a tough start to life on Wearside.
Not featured of late, but Parkinson insists his time at Fleetwood shows he can be a successful wing-back at this level and that he could use him as cover on the right of the back three.
JOEL LYNCH
Out of contract at the end of the season.
Phil Parkinson said the 32-year-old had experienced some issues settling into a new region but has been a regular of late.
Sunderland are currently waiting to discover the severity of an injury sustained in a nasty collision at Fratton Park, though initial tests have suggested the issue is not as bad as initially feared.
JORDAN WILLIS
His athleticism, consistency and room for growth mark him out as one of Sunderland’s best additions since dropping into the third tier, and a template to follow in future windows.
Has 18 months left on his deal and so while not a priority, a player who the Black Cats would not want to let drift into the final year/six months of a deal.
ALIM OZTURK
Ozturk was struggling for action when he first arrived but played through the pain barrier when his manager needed him.
His attitude and consistency quickly won round the new boss, though the arrival of Bailey Wright as the main defender in the back three is a major blow.
Has bounced back plenty of times before. Another out of contract in the summer.
TOM FLANAGAN
There have been regular claims of Championship interest in the defender, who is out of contract in the summer.
Has impressed Parkinson and worked his way back into contention, and his versatility means he is likely to get plenty of chances to prove himself between now and the end of the season.
JACK BALDWIN
Finally beginning to get regular minutes at Salford City after injury blighted the start of his loan.
Jack Ross told him he would not be part of the plans this season after an inconsistent first season. Out of contract in the summer, and while Sunderland are believed to have an option to extend, they seem unlikely to trigger it as things stand.
DENVER HUME
Has 18 months left on his deal and the way he battled through a tough start to the season to shine has been of the major positives on Wearside. Ross was adamant he would play at a higher level and the new management team share that belief. Continues right...