Cats’ squad situation ahead of transfer restrictions & proposals
on the club’s books and, given heisagedjust20,willnotcount towardsthesquadcap(players agedunder21areexemptfrom the 22-player limit to encourage youth development).
Sunderland currently only have four senior defenders registered for the new campaign – Conor McLaughlin, LukeO’Nien,JordanWillisand DenverHume.TomFlanaganis currently in discussions over a new deal, with Parkinson statinginarecentinterviewthathe was hopeful that a deal could be pushed over the line. Parkinson is also keen to tie-up a dealforBaileyWright,whoimpressed in a fleeting loan spell last season.
Sunderland are fairly wellstocked in the midfield area and this is unlikely to be a priority position for Phil Parkinson. There are four senior midfielders on the books of the Black Cats – Max Power, George Dobson, Josh Scowen and Grant Leadbitter. And the area where we expect to see somemovementthissummer.
Intermsofoutgoings,apermanent departure for Aiden McGeadyisexpectedtobepursued – while extra firepower is undoubtedly required up top to supplement Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg. Benji Kimpioka,
who is weighing-up a new deal, would not count towards any squad cap given he is aged under 21.Squad in full – and how it compares to the proposed squad cap
Goalkeepers: Lee Burge, Anthony Patterson (squad cap exempt). Defenders: Conor McLaughlin, Luke O’Nien, Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan (contract offer made), Denver Hume. Midfielders: Max
Power, George Dobson, Josh Scowen,GrantLeadbitter.Forwards: Chris Maguire, Aiden McGeady, Lynden Gooch, Elliot Embleton, Benji Kimpioka (contract offer made, squad cap exempt), Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg.
Current squad numbers (assuming contract offers are accepted): 16. New players allowed to be added as things stand: 6.